8/7/2019 Contact Newspaper March 25, 2011

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Contact, an edition ofThe United Methodist ReporterTwo Sections, Section A 039000 Volume 157, Number 47 March 25, 2011

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

www.okumc.org

n Enter this photo contest! 8An Lawtons homeless families get help. 4A

The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Prot Drive, Dallas, TX 75247. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas.

Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275.

A NEW CHAPTERA

Veggie Tales book is top

choice for Justice Saun-

ders, age 3, on March

14, grand opening day

for Cokesbury in its newOklahoma City location,

7005 N. May Ave. With

Justice is his great-aunt,

Vickie Lacy. Page 5A

At OCU, president is lifelong student

PRAISEThe Strath-

dees will perform at ve

churches. Page 7A

PRAYERFULA college

student worships at Cross

Point Camp. Page 5A

B Holly McCray

Bible study is a cup of cool water to

thirsty Robert Henry. He will drink deeply

and request rells.

The man whom Oklahoma City Uni-

versity, a United Methodist school, willinaugurate on April 6 as its president is

also a keen student. He yearns to always

learn more and reports a lifelong special

interest in religion and theology.

Im comfortable in my faith but want-

ing more time for study, Henry said. Id

like to take Hebrew. I really want to spend

time in the parables, but I cant get out of

the Torah!

While dean of OCUs School of Law,

Henry audited the Old Testament course

in the School of Religion. And spurredby certain legal cases in Oklahoma, the

former judge has spent 20 years studying

the 10 Commandments.

The student is a teacher, too. Sunday-

school leadership expands his extensive

resumewhich includes state legislator,

federal judge, patron of the ne arts, and

even participant in a Polar Bear Plunge.

He will present a teaching session at

the 2011 Annual Conference of Oklahoma

United Methodists.

Henry has relished opportunities toteach at OKC-St. Lukes, where he attends

church, and at Church of the Servant. He

recalled spending 11 hours one Saturday

preparing to teach a Sunday class at a

Baptist church.

Unfurling a mosquito

net is David Battles,

executive vice

president of the

Oklahoma United

Methodist

Foundation.

Save a life.

Team up with Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation

and OKC Thunder basketball to win the ght

against malaria, the leading killer of children in Africa.

Buy an April 8 game ticket through the Foundation.

Contact 405-609-3103 or bgayle@okumf.org.

On April 8,

OKC Thunder game

Nothing But Nets Night

Oklahoma City Arena

send a net.

Robert

Henry Continued on 2A

8/7/2019 Contact Newspaper March 25, 2011

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March 25, 2011Page 2A

The Oklahoma United Methodist Phone: 405-530-2075

Fax: 405-530-2093

1501 N.W. 24thokhm Ct, oK 73106

rbet E. Hes J., bsh

Jseh Hs, dect f cmmunctns

H McC, edt f ubctnsTo subscribe, send mailing information

and $15 to our address at left.

Mvng? Send chnge b m e-m: bew@kumc.g.

N Wn, dmnsttve ssstnt/vde cdnt

ac Gn, Web mnst/ghcs desgn

ame Bew, The Med Cente

Sign up online forContact Digest, a fee electronic newsletter. Find information at www.kumc.g.

Send news to edt@kumc.g. Next publication date: April 15.

Approximately 250 people

from the Oklahoma Indian Mis-

sionary Conference convened on

the OCU campus Feb. 19 for the

annual OIMC Youth Day.

For many years, the University-

Church Relations team at OCU

has welcomed youths and theirfamilies for a day lled with activi-

ties and worship. This cooperative

event is planned by OIMC youths

and students from the Wesley

Center at OCU.

The Saturday got off to a fast

start this year. Registration was

moved to the Freede Wellness Cen-

ter, so participants had immediate

access to three basketball courts.

This facilitated the ever-popular

free-throw contest and enabled anew event.

A three-on-three basketball

tournament had been requested.

The planning team turned to Jona-

than Triplett, director of Intramural

and Recreational Sports at OCU,

who has years of experience orga-

nizing such tournaments for stu-

dents. His leadership, along with ateam of student referees, made the

tournament a highlight of the day.

After lunch in the cafeteria, ev-

eryone moved to Watson Lounge

in the chapel building for a presen-

tation by Christina Mallory, OCU

Admissions counselor. She paid

special attention to the American

Indian Scholarship program.Each year, OCU awards 15

scholarships to qualifying Ameri-

can Indian students.

Several of those schol-

arship students were

on hand to help with

the event. OCU Bish-

ops Scholars assisted

with games and led

tours of the campus.Youth Day always

ends with worship at

the chapel sanctuary.

Native hymns were

led by participants from

across the conference. We were

pleased to welcome Conference

Superintendent David Wilson of

OIMC as preacher.

Special gratitude for coordi-

nating Youth Day goes to pastor

Josephine Deere, OIMC directorof Interpretations, and OCU senior

Erin Floyd, a religion major.

Basketball tourney expands fun at OIMC Youth Day

On April 10, the Wimberly School of Religion at OCU is partnering

with Emmanuel Synagogue to present the Festival of Jewish Living.

The free festival is open to anyone who would like to learn more about

Judaism. Study groups, youth groups, and church conrmation classes

especially are encouraged to attend.

The open-house format will run from 1 to 4 p.m. in the chapel.

You are invited to attend to learn about the major holidays and life

festivals of Judaism, explained by synagogue members and OCU students

and professors. Inquire of Rabbi Abby Jacobson at the Ask the Rabbi

booth. Enjoy treats specic to the holidays, and visit a synagogue gift shop.

For details, contact Lisa Wolfe, lwolfe@okcu.edu, 405-208-5286.

Festival will educate on Jewish life

Robert Henry is lifelong student

Participants enjoy a game in the Freede Center.

The little ones were ready to play basketball, too.

I think the reason we study the

Bible is because its worth study-

ing, Henry declared. Its not just

some seven-point plan you can

check off and say Im there. These

things take thought. Look at all the

Bible commentaries there are.

Thus Henrys leadership of

OCU aligns well with his personal

pursuits. Throughout its history,

Methodism has valued education

highly. OCU was founded bythe Church more than a century

ago; todays connection between

the school and Oklahoma United

Methodists is the gold standard

for similar relationships within the

denomination.

What I say about Methodists:

By their works, you shall know

them. I think Oklahoma Methodists

can be very proud of this institu-

tion, Henry said.

He admires interfaith work andsees in OCU the denominations

historic commitment to that. He

is nearing the one-year mark as its

president.

This school opened its doors to

welcome people of all faithsnot

all denominations but all faiths,

Henry emphasized.

A great mission of the Church

is to provide to people of all faiths

a great liberal arts education, to be

a citizen and free person.He continued, Weve achieved

a remarkable place; what we offer

is fabulous. Weve got to increase

endowments. I hope congregations

and particularly people who have

directly benettedwill help us

with donors.

My sons in school here. I

know how good this place is,

Henry said. Josh chose OCU, and

he has blossomed. Jan and Robert

Henry also have a daughter.Eloquent about the Bible and

other learning pursuits, Robert

Henry is more reserved about

his own faith story. His is not a

Damascus-road experience.

I just tried to be a good kid. I

had nine years of perfect Sunday

school attendance, he shared. To

me, you are supposed to live a life.

He recapped Jesus statement

to followers of John the Baptist:

Spend the day with me and then gotell John what you saw.

A Sunday-school participant

once told Henry, I love it when

you teach. You always talk about

social justice.

Henrys response: I dont know

any other kind of justice.

Methodists are doing the things

that need to be done. I feel great

with Methodists because thats

where I live, he said.

President Robert Henry takes hands-on interest in the OCU

Community Garden. He directed the gardens expansion,

hauling compost and helping with planting. Theme for his

inauguration in April is Make Our Garden Grow.

Continued from 1A

Inaugural events

free to the public:

n Sunday, April 310:50 a.m.Worship Service

OKC-St. Lukes United

Methodist Church,

222 N.W. 15th St.,

Bishop Robert Hayes Jr.

preaching

3 p.m.Concert

Berlioz Requiem,

more than 350 OCU

musicians and singers,

First Presbyterian Church,

1001 N.W. 25th

n Monday, April 4NoonStudent Celebration

Honoring President Henry

on his birthday,

McDaniel University

Center at OCU

n Tuesday, April 56-8 p.m.Student

performances/exhibits

OCU campus,

various locations

nWednesday, April 610 a.m.

Installation Ceremony

OCU Freede Center

Noon-1 p.m.

Symposia Luncheon

OCU Meinders

School of Business

1-4 p.m.SymposiaOCU Meinders

School of Business.

Among topics:

philanthropy, law, health,

the energy industry,

and economics.

(www.okcu.edu/inauguration/symposia)

4:30 p.m.Grand Opening,

OCU School of Nursing

Kramer School of Nursing,

Dedication of

Vietnam WomensMemorial maquette

by Glenna Goodacre

7:30 p.m.Distinguished

Speaker and book signing

OCU Freede Center,

David Brooks, columnist

for The New York Times

n Thursday, April 75 p.m.Quinlan Lecture

OCU Sarkeys Law Center,

Kathleen Sullivan,former dean

of Stanford Law School

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact March 25, 2011

Bishop Hayes

Who got the last word, oh, Death? Oh,

Death, whos afraid of you now? It was sin that

made death so frightening and law-code guilt

that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power.

But now, in a single victorious stroke of Life,

all threesin, guilt, deathare gone, the gift of

our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!

(I Corinthians 15:56-57, The Message)

B BiSHop roBErT HayES Jr.

Have you ever given thought

to what your final

words would be if

you knew your life was ending?

If you had only one sermonto preach, one song to sing, or

one prayer to offer before you

departed this earth, what words

would you choose?

That query is not as far-

fetched as you may think. I

recently learned about one man

who, knowing the dark shadow

of death was about to engulf

him, found strength to write one

more song. That hymn has become a staple in

so many churches.His farewell words are so much a part of

our faith that I must share his inspirational

story during this Lenten season, when we

consider the death of our Lord and Savior

The songwriter was Eugene Bartlett. His

name was legendary in Southern Gospel Mu-

sic circles in the early 1900s. Born in 1885,

he went on to teach singing throughout the

South. He founded the Hartford Music Co.

in 1918, and he introduced gospel music to

churches large and small. People came from

long distances to hear him play and sing.

In 1939, when he was 54, Bartlett suffered

a serious stroke. Partially paralyzed, he was

virtually conned to bed for the remainder

of his life. No more could he

travel, performing concerts and

encouraging churches in their

singing. He could no longer dowhat he most lovedteaching

students how to compose and

play music. Finding his ability to

communicate greatly diminished

and his ability to write music al-

most depleted, Bartlett prepared

himself to die.

However, he summoned

what strength he still had within

his weakened body to write one

last song. In I John 5:4, Bartlett found the

words that comprised his last musical arrange-ment: Whatever is born of God conquers the

world. And this is the victory that conquers the

worldour faith!

He gathered the wherewithal to write:

I heard an old, old story, how a Savior

came from glory, how he gave his life on

Calvary to save a wretch like me. I heard

about his groaning, of his precious bloods

atoning, then I repented of my sins and won

the victory. Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior

forever! He sought me and bought me with

his redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew

him, and all my love is due him. He plunged

me to victory beneath the cleansing ood.

What a remarkable story of a dying man

writing about overcoming the world through

his faith! Now I know why the hymn Victory

in Jesus is so powerful.

Now you know why I asked the question.What would your nal words be if you knew

your life was ending? Would you be remorse-

ful? Or would you be eager to nd out what

the next chapter holds in store for you?

All of us are dying a little each day! Only

God can determine the time of departure

tomorrow, next year, perhaps years from now.

With each day we move closer to that time

when there will be only one more sermon,

one song, or one prayer.

During these 40 days of Lent, I want to

rehearse the words I will use. I want Godto hear line by line, removing those phrases

and thoughts not pleasing to Him. I want to

clean up my life and move forward as God

directs me.

While making the journey, I want my life to

reect a Christ-like nature in everything I do.

When we consider a man dying for me

and you, that act seems incomprehensible.

The apostle Paul summed it up well: We

can understand someone dying for a person

worth dying for, and we can understand how

someone good and noble could inspire us to

seless sacrice. But God puts His love on the

line for us by offering His son in sacricial

death while we were of no use whatever to

Him. (Romans 5:7-8, The Message)

Sin, guilt, and death were conquered in one

amazing act of courage and love!

Gutzon Borglum, who sculpted the facesof presidents onto Mount Rushmore, was

asked to carve a bust of Abraham Lincoln for

display at the nations Capitol. A housekeeper

was fascinated as she daily watched Lincolns

features emerge from the stone. When the

work was completed, she enthusiastically

asked Borglum, Howd you know Mr. Lin-

coln was in that rock?

Only God knows what is inside each of

us. This holy season of Lent can bring out

the best we have to offer. It is a time to shape

and mold ourselves into the people God wantsus to be, so like Eugene Bartlett, when we

arrive at that glorious Resurrection Day, we

can claim Gods victory over sin, guilt, and

death. It is the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ.

Thank God!

Page 3A

Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop

Famous last words

Will You Join the Growing Ranks of the

1000

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

or visit our website at:

http://www.circleofcare.org/1000.html

AnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymous

Donald & Cheryl BakerRandy & Eddisu BarkerDon & Lynn BatsonDavid & Laura BealClara BrownSpencer & Mary Brown, Jr.Lacey Butler Jr.Ivan BysArlene ChriswellRalph & Midge CoffmanRandall & Kathryn CoitLloyd Cole, Jr.

Luke & Becky Corbett FoundationRobert & Debbie CraineC. C. & Anna Marie Crooch FundJohn & Jamie Crooch, Jr.

Michael & Janet CroochPhilip & Lisa CrowBobby & Shirley DarnellMarsha DavisGregory & Mary Ann Edwards

Robert & Prudy GorrellUMW Grove First UMCRudolph & Madeline HargraveRalph & Linda HarkerValerie HatleyBishop Robert & Dee HayesJohn & Anne HeatonBilly & Ann HebblethwaiteJono & Jenny HelmerichJim & Mary Nell HolderRoss & Jane HutchinsonRobert & Ann Ivester

Keith & Patricia KennedyGreg & Anita LaPatDwight MauldingBob & Doris McKownBilly & Lora Meade

Dear Friends of Circle of Care:Every Sunday morning on my way to the choir room at church, I witness children

climbing all over Jesus. At the entry of our Children's area, we have a beautiful larger-than-life statue of our Lord. Isnt it fabulous that this piece of art is designed to inviteinteraction?

It is such a visual reminder to me of the importance of children in the eyes of Christ.Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, Jesus says. And He reminds us thatwhoever welcomes children in His name, welcomes Him.

Friends, since 1917, the Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care has providedhelp, healing, and hope to at-risk children, youth, and families across our state. Circle

of Care is the United Methodist Boys Ranch and the United Methodist Childrens Home,providing residential programs for teenagers. It is the David O. Beal Independent LivingProgram, providing shelter and support for high school and college-aged youth makingthe transition into adulthood. It is the Holsinger Home for Children, a licensed foster homefor large sibling groups. It is Pearls Hope, a transitional program for homeless womenand their children at the Frances E. Willard Home in Tulsa. It is Child SHARE, recruitingand supporting foster families statewide.

In my role as Miss America so many years ago and my career as a broadcast journal-ist, Ive had the opportunity to see rsthand the plight of too many children without afuture. I know that Circle of Care is making a difference.

Today, we are embarking on a new initiative to ensure that all these programs areable to continue, and expand to meet the growing needs. It is called Project 1000. We areseeking to recruit 1000 new donors who will each pledge $1,000 per year for three years.

Project 1000 is an ambitious campaign that will allow Circle of Care to look ahead:How many more Child SHARE foster families can be lifted up? How many more youths

can be served at the Boys Ranch, the Childrens Home, the Independent Living Pro-gram? How many more families can be helped through Pearls Hope? How many morelives can be forever changed?

Look at it this way: For only $19.23 per week, you can invest in the future. You canhelp a child, a family. You can become one of the 1000. Wont you join us?

In His name,

Jane Jayroe Gamble

Mike & Christy MordyDavid & Laura MorrisonTed & Laura MostellerLenert & Bobbie PfeilerJohn & Helen Riley

Gary & Sharon RothMike Self & Shannon Nakvinda SelfBill & Martha SmithArden & Rita Ruth SmithCraig Stinson & Krista JonesKen & June TuckerJ. M. & Patricia Vanderwiele, Jr.David & Suzan WolfBill & Lissa WrightDonald & Barbara WrightCircle of Care Staff:

OKC/Communicatons/Pearls Hope

UM Boys RanchUM Childrens HomeIndependent LivingChild SHARE Staff

8/7/2019 Contact Newspaper March 25, 2011

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Following the Plan March 25, 2011Page 4A

B Holly McCray

Each Sunday evening, a church in Lawton welcomes

special families for a one-week stay.

These families, all with children, are temporarily home-

less. But they nd respite through a new ecumenical ministry,

Family Promise of Lawton Inc. Besides shelter, the familiesalso nd other practical help, such as nancial counsel-

ing, assistance searching for jobs and

permanent housing, and social skills

development.

And they are enveloped in Chris-

tian compassion and respect. The term

radical hospitality rightly describes

this program.

The concept germinated in Cente-

nary United Methodist and Holy Cross

Lutheran Churches, and is steered by lay-

man Mark Ashton, a member of Centenary.

First steps for the Lawton program

took about two years. Fund-raising began,

community education was provided, and

hosting churches were recruited. Almost 200

volunteers have been trained. The official

launch was last fall.

Each week, one of 12 hosting churches in

Lawtons Family Promise network houses up to

14 peopleadults and their children. Hosting du-

ties rotate weekly. For example, Centenary UMC

opened its doors during the week of Thanksgiving,and for a second time Feb. 6-12.

Ashton attributed this gathering of churches into a network

of care for homeless families to the work of many dedicated

Lawtonians.

This group of churches would not have been able to es-

tablish this network without the t ireless work of many folks,

he said, including a great group of trustees and a knowledge-

able and compassionate executive director, Sarah Head.

Ashton said, Do unto others as you would have them

do unto you is not a multiple-choice question. I think its a

commandment. I try to operate from that principle.

Ashton described the operation. Each Sunday is moving

day. Volunteers move rollaway beds, from the church that

hosted the previous week, to the next church. Up to 16 rol-

laway beds14 for family members and two for the night

hostsare transported. (Lawton motels donated the beds.)

Designated space for families is prepared. At Centenary, vol-

unteers move partitions into place to create family cubicles in

the fellowship hall. They add small tables, lighting, clocks,

chairs, and more to make i t homey inside, Ashton said.The guests arrive later Sunday, and Centenary members

share a meal with them. Throughout the week, between 6

p.m. and 7 a.m., the hosting church provides lodging, meals,

and fellowship.

We are intentional about having people there to talk with

the guests, Ashton said, but we dont probe. We listen.

Ashton and his wife, Linda, have volunteered as nighthosts on Saturday night at Centenary. The families need

privacy, too, said Linda. We are trying to learn how to be

most caring.

When Linda realized the church bathroom lacked an elec-

trical plug for her curling iron, I found out just how spoiled

I am. Her voice softened, These families have greater

concerns than looking good for Sunday worship services.

At 7 a.m., everybody is up and moving, Mark Ashton

said. Employed adults go to work; children go to school. A

van transports guests without personal vehicles.

The Family Promise day

center is the hub for alldaytime activity and ofce

site for the executive di-

rector, a paid position.

Temporarily located

in Grace Fellowship

Church, the day

center provides a

mailing address

and home basefrom which the

guests can search

for jobs and perma-

nent housing. It also of-

fers laundry and shower

facilities.

The usual length of stay is 30-60 days, according to Ash-

ton. These are people who are situationally homeless, not

the chronic homeless.

When families meet their goals and move on, the program

follows their progress for a year.

Families are referred to the program by agencies, church-es, and individuals in Lawton. Condential interviews follow.

Adults must complete a screening process and must agree to

abide by the programs rules.

And only families with children are enrolled.

The purpose of Family Promise is to keep the family

together as a unit, Ashton explained.

Most homeless shelters are structured differently. Typi-

cally, children 12 years of age and older must stay with

persons of the same gender, which, for example, means a

12-year-old male child would be separated from his mother

and would stay with other homeless men, Ashton said.

He cited an estimate by Lawton Public Schools that 200

children in that city are homeless.

According to the national Family Promise organization:

n Families are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S.

homeless population.

n Over 40 percent of that population is comprised of

families with children.

n The average age of a homeless person in America is 9.Gathering the Lawton community in support of the effort

was invaluable, Ashton said.

I want us to have plenty of depth. When you get agen-

cies together, communicating with each other, participating

in the Continuum of Care HUD program, you realize you

can provide for a need when you didnt know before that a

resource was available, he said.

And its a way churches can relate to one another ecu-

menically when they wouldnt normally.

His personal commitment is based in more than 40

years of practicing law.

Over that period of time, I have

talked to a lot of folks

who have been

poor, he summed up. I donthave those stereotypes of poor

people any more. Ive realized

theres not much difference between them and me. If

you believe in the Scriptures, you believe that all are equal, at

least in Gods sight.

Each church in the network has a volunteer coordinator.

Mark and Lindas daughter Hillary Ashton lls that role at

Centenary UMC.

Its an amazing experience for our volunteers to put a

face on homelessness in America, Hillary said. Kids doing

homework, a boy making valentines for schoolwhat we

imagine as a homeless family may not be whats sitting infront of us when we host them.

She supports Family Promise because it gives families in

transition a safe, stable place to stay together.

All we are asking of our volunteers is to be community,

Hillary described. Our job is to love our neighbors.

The Lawton network includes these 12 hosting churches:

Aldersgate, St. Pauls, and Centenary United Method-

ist Churches; Bethlehem Baptist; Dayspring Community

Church; First Presbyterian; H2O; Holy Cross Lutheran;

Trinity Baptist; Grace Fellowship, Central Baptist Church;

and Mind of Christ Church.

Among supporting churches are two UM groups: Law-

ton Heights UMC and Cameron Campus Ministry/Lawton

Wesley Foundation.

The Lawton ministry is one of more than 160 Family

Promise networks across the nation. Mark Ashton said an-

other Oklahoma network operates in Shawnee.

(www.FamilyPromiseOfLawton.org)

Meet the new neighborsHow do we relate to our community?a guiding question from the Strategic Plan

Lawton churchesopen doors

to homeless families

Radical hospitality is one of the

5 practices of Fruitful Congregations.Bishop Schnase's book

InLawton,Cen

tenaryUMCvolunteersu

nload

bedsfortheirg

uestswhowill

arriveSunday

evening.(Photo

sprovidedbyH

owardKuchta)

www.okumc.org/StrategicPlan

8/7/2019 Contact Newspaper March 25, 2011

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact March 25, 2011Page 5A

Because of your donations to help poor

UM clergy in other nations, the Oklahoma

Annual Conference ranks rst in the jurisdic-

tionand sixth among the 67 U.S. annual

conferencesin supporting the Central Con-

ference Pension Initiative (CCPI).

The campaign was launched when U.S.

United Methodists learned the dire living

situations of many retired clergymen and

women outside America.

A fully-funded pension system in the

Oklahoma Conference provides income

when our clergy members retire. Some of the

central conferences (those outside America)

have no pension structure.

CCPI has received $693,919.43 thus far

in gifts from the Oklahoma Conference,

according to a report received recently by

Treasurer Brian Bakeman.

That total is surpassed only by the De-

troit, Central Pennsylvania, North Carolina,

North Georgia, and West Ohio Conferences.

Bob Long and Wendy Lambert, pastors at

OKC-St. Lukes, have promoted the initiative

in Oklahoma. Rev. Dr. Long is a memberof the General Board of Pensions & Health

Benets.

It is very exciting to go to our GBOPHB

meeting and hear how well our pensions are

doing, and to celebrate the success of provid-

ing pensions for our brothers and sisters who

work in such challenging situations and have

so much less, Long said.

Pastors in Africa, Philippines, Euro

Asia, who serve in areas that are so challeng-

ing, receive so little in salary, and have no

pension, are going to be provided a pension

because of your generosity.

The campaigns goal is $25 million. As

of Dec. 31, funds and pledges had exceeded

$21.5 million.

Rev. Lambert said, Ive served in such

wonderful settings. It is important for me

to help my brothers and sisters; they serve

in much less hospitable, formidable places.

We have a need to connect, a responsibility

to them.

Long afrmed that, in spite of the U.S.

economic downturn and volatility of the

nancial markets, the general board has

done a wonderful job managing our assets so

that everyones pension is safe and secure,

he said.

However, the really exciting thing is

that, even during this period of economic

turmoil, United Methodists have continuedin their very generous giving toward our

Central Conference Pension Initiative.

On behalf of all those on the other side

of the world, who labor like us in sharing the

Gospel of Christ, let me say thank you for

the way you care.

B Holly McCray

Although he earned a B.A. in 1977,

Bishop Scott Jones faith walk during his

college years typies that of young adults

today. He told his story to 180 students at a

campus ministry retreat Feb. 18-20 in south-

ern Oklahoma.

At age 18, Jones stopped attending

churcha decision also made by too many

young people today, and the Church mourns.

Then a truck driver shared his faith story

with young Jones, who left that encounter

yearning for such conviction. The son ofa preacher joined in campus ministries; he

relished reading the Chronicles of Narnia.

I wanted God to zap me; then I would

know I was a Christian, Jones said.

His longing persisted. Today the bishop

of the Kansas Area describes it as a four-

year gestation period. Holy assurance came

when Jones was a college senior, but zap

is inaccurate.

I was on my knees, alone in the chapel,

he said. A sense of peace came over me.

Jones kept studying, earning a doctoratein religious studies and even teaching at Per-

kins School of Theology in Dallas. He was

elected to the episcopacy in 2004.

He studied the young-adult audience at

the February retreat. Whats in your hearts

and minds?

Jones was joined by Bishop Robert Hayes

Jr. as keynote speakers for the event, held at

Cross Point Camp on Lake Texoma. Students

came from 18 Wesley Foundations within the

South Central Jurisdiction. Planning was led

by the Wesley Foundations at the University

of Oklahoma, at Kansas State University, and

at Denton, Texas.

These two men of God brought the Word

and challenged our students to get real whenit comes to discipleship and being the Body

of Christ to a hurt and broken world, said

Daniel Dennison, OU Wesley director.

Participants learned about global poverty,

the art of worship, and United Methodist

doctrine. They posed insightful questions

during an Ask a Bishop session.

Hayes urged students to counter the cul-

tural mantra Whats in it for me? with another

question: Whats in me for Him (Jesus)?

In our society, we want privileges if

we are going to join something. One of the

frightening things I see as a bishop is there

are churches and people taking the message

of sacrice and saying, Lets turn it into

something easy.That was never Jesus way, Hayes said.

He recited Gospel verses, including The

Son of Man has no place to lay his head

and If any man will come after me, let him

deny himself.

Pick up your cross and be different,

Hayes emphasized. Take the focus offme

and make Christ the center of life. Stop being

so concerned about me, myself, and I. And

in the next three, four, ve years, you cannot

imagine what you will be. Thats whats in

it for you.

Rev. Dennison said the weekend re-

freshed him, to watch so many young

people come together to worship and grow

closer to Christ and to one another. The

next All-Wesley Retreat will be held Feb.

17-19, 2012.

One of the best things I like about this,

said Adam, from Kansas State, is getting

away from everything back home and recon-

necting with God and other Christians here.

It will make you come back again.

Surrounded by seeds for Christian

growthBibles and other books, Commu-nion sets and inspirational giftsthe people

bowed their heads to pray as grand opening

day began March 14 for the new Cokesbury

store in Oklahoma City.

Julie Wise beamed as she sliced party

cake after the dedication service. Less than

a year ago, she was sorting soggy, ruined

products, after a hailstorm collapsed the roof

and ooded the stores previous site.

Cokesbury has relocated to 7005 N. May

Ave., a facility it shares with a dental clinic.

The new bookstore is open Monday-Saturdayand has more oor space.

We see what has come out of calamity:

the beauty, Jeff Barnes said at the dedica-

tion. He is executive director of sales for The

United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH).

It has been a tremendous challenge. We

do appreciate the support you have shown.

Thomas Jewell said, Oklahomans knowwhat can be accomplished in the face of

natural disaster. Johannes Gutenberg (15th-

century inventor of the printing press) could

never have imagined a place like this, a se-

lection like this. Rev. Dr. Jewell is regional

pastor of The Christian Church-Disciples of

Christ, Oklahoma.

Liturgy for the dedication was led by

Oklahoma UM Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. For

the spiritual enrichment of all who shall come

here in pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, we

dedicate this store, he stated.Cokesbury is the retail division of

UMPH, founded in 1789, which publishes for

the denomination and the greater Christian

community. In Tulsa, the Cokesbury store

is in Kingspointe Village Shopping Center,

6024 S. Yale Ave.

At the OKC

Cokesbury store

dedication are,

from left,

Regional Pastor

Thomas Jewell

of The Christian

Church-Disciplesof Christ, Bishop

Robert Hayes Jr.,

and Jeff Barnes

of The United

Methodist Pub-

lishing House.

Cokesbury opens at new OKC location

Oklahoma leads in givingto clergy pension campaign

18 Wesley Foundations retreat to Cross Point

Exercise opens the day for college students in a jurisdictional gathering at Cross Point Camp.

PhotobyRebeccaLupton

8/7/2019 Contact Newspaper March 25, 2011

6/8

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact March 25, 2011

At the LEAD II seminar in mid-

February at Oklahoma City

University are, from left, President

Myron McCoy of Saint Paul School

of Theology, OKC-North

District Superintendent Dan

Pulver, presenter Michael Reeves

of San Antonio, Dean Elaine

Robinson of Saint Paul School

of Theology at OCU, Oklahoma

Conference Treasurer Brian Bake-man, and Pastor Dianne Peters of

OKC-Crown Heights UMC.

On March 26 at Stillwater-First, this series of classes for laity concludes its annual run in the state.Attendance total for all workshops thus far: 2,458 people. Bishop Hayes personally attended eight of the

workshops, noted Aly Shahan, Conference coordinator for the events.

Bartlesville District doubled its attendance this year. A total of 492 people participated in that workshop. And

Muskogee District reported 433 in attendance, which is an increase of more than 100 people from the 2010 total.

Here is the attendance report from the other districts workshops: Clinton District150 people, Enid170,

Lawton159, McAlester205, North and South OKC464, Tulsa235, and Woodward150.

Michael Reeves recently preached about Christian

giving to thousands of worshippers at one churchand

to 12 people at another. His message ts both, he said.

He wants people to learn the holiness of nancial

giving.

He repeated his message to 60 Oklahoma clergy atthe second LEAD seminar on Feb. 18-19 at OCU.

Stop fundraising. Talk about generosity as a spiri-

tual value of our lives, declared Rev. Reeves. Its a

discipleship issue, not a fundraising issue.

Personal and corporate stewardship, as well as ef-

fectively leading a congregation, were spotlighted in

LEAD II. The seminar series is subtitled What You

Didnt Learn in Seminary.

Clergy from both the Oklahoma and the Oklahoma

Indian Missionary Conferences attended, and Reeves

was one of several presenters.

He urged big changes in the way churches talk aboutmoney, specically listing three commandments:

Keep it positive.

Keep it biblical.

Stress the mission, NOT the need.

From San Antonio, Texas, Reeves is known nation-

ally as an advocate and innovator of Jesus-like generos-

ity. He has worked with the Oklahoma United Methodist

Foundation staff, including Mike Wiley.

Real issues of money dominate our lives and

thoughts, Reeves said. But what do people hear about

it in our churches? We whine about it in the fall, if at all.

He took aim against avoiding talk about money in

church.Dont talk about it; we might have a visitor. Lets

get real. All of us deal with money every day.

Some people are on fxed incomes. Some of them

are well xed and need to remember who xed them.

My situation is unique. Every church is a different

culture, but no one is immune from the Scripture.

Theyre giving what they can. I guarantee you they

are not. What limits are you putting on your congrega-

tion? Of the top 30 denominations in the U.S., regarding

percent of income given to the church, United Method-

ists rank 28th.

Reeves has led more than 200 capital campaigns.With Bishop Robert Schnase, he is releasing Extrava-

gant Generosity, a church stewardship kit, this year.

His title is pastor of nancial discipleship at University

UMC, San Antonio, Texas.

The third seminar in the LEAD series is scheduled

April 29-30. Contact the Conference Treasurers Of-ce for information.

Message to clergy: Money is not taboo topic

A New Frontier: Boomers or Bust, on April 9 in Enid, will focus onthe generation that continues to signicantly impact American society. Theoldest members of the 76 million Baby Boomers are turning 65 this year.

In Enid, New Hope UMC will host this regional senior-adult ministry

training from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Speaker will be Missy Buchanan of the Dallas area. She is the author

of Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body and Talking with God in

Old Age, and writer of the Aging Well column in the UM Reporter

newspaper. Her speaking ministry includes national TV and a radio blog; in

December, she spoke about religion and aging on Good Morning America.

Buchanan was the full-time caregiver for her mother, who died at age 92.

While in Enid, seminar guests are invited to tour The Commons, a United

Methodist-related retirement facility, during late afternoon.

Lunch will be served, with music by the singing group Dab of Glory.

The event is sponsored by the Conferences Council on Older Adult Ministry.

Early registration (by March 28) includes a discount. Sign up online at

www.kumc.g. For details, contact George Shepherd, 405-701-5332,

shepherdgeorge@att.net.

Oklahoma mission leaders are

happily preparing to welcome an

international audience that onlygathers every three years. The

United Methodist Russia Initiative

is set forApril 7-9, at St. LukesUMC in Oklahoma City.

The event will inspire and

encourage new and renewed com-

mitment to mission in ve coun-

tries: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine,

Moldova, and Georgia. The Rus-

sia Initiative is related to the Gen-

eral Board of Global Ministries

(GBGM), the Churchs missionagency.

For decades, the Oklahoma

Conference has been active in

mission in that part of the world.

Tom Hoffmann, who chairs the

Mission & Service Ministry Team,

provided some highlights of that

work. Rev. Hoffman himself

served as a missionary in Russia;

he now is an associate pastor at

Tulsa-First UMC.

In the 1980-90s, Jarrel Tysonwas the Oklahoma Conference

director of Christian Education,

Hoffman recalled, and Bishop

Dan Solomon approved Rev.

Tyson as the Churchs rst con-

gregational development person

in Eurasia.

Following Jarrel, the Con-

ference allowed me to pastor a

church for a year (in Russia),

Hoffmann said, and then al-

lowed me to serve as a GBGMmissionary.

Since 1992, St. Lukes has

partnered with people in Uly-

anovsk, Russia, to share Christs

love, grow in faith, and serve

those in need. Retired clergy

leader David Severe was crucial

in helping establish that congre-

gation. St. Lukes member Lau-

ranne Harris now coordinates the

Ulyanovsk partnership and is site

coordinator for the April event.Tulsa-Christ UMC and its pas-

tor, Bob Feist, are among those

working with Resurrection UMC

in Voronezh, Russia.

Hoffman continued, For a

few years, we had a Russian-

American program between OCU

and Ulyanovsk University, with

student exchanges and a certicate

in International Business.At least nine Wesley Founda-

tions were involved in Volunteers

In Mission trips and student ex-

changes.

The Russia Initiative counts

some 125 congregations with

indigenous pastors, a seminary

in Moscow, and a generation of

young adults raised within the

Church. The Initiative pairs new

congregations with more estab-

lished ones, usually in the UnitedStates.

A major focus of the April

consultation will be the road-

map for The United Methodist

Church in Eurasia in the next few

years. The three-day program

will include worship, workshops,

addresses, and sharing among the

mission partners who comprise

the Initiative.

Theme is Come Walk with Us

on the Road. Bishop Hans Vxbyof Moscow, leader of The United

Methodist Church in Eurasia, will

be a featured speaker. For more in-

formation on the initiative and the

consultation, contact Jim Athearn,

Russia Initiative coordinator,

jimathearn@gmail.com.

Prepare your older adult ministries to enter A New Frontier

St. Lukes will hostRussia consultationWhat do United Methodists believe? How can we live more effectively as people

of faith? How can we make a difference in Jesus name? Opportunities crowd the

Oklahoma Conference calendar for gaining knowledge and ideas. This page reviews

and previews some of those events. You are welcome to attendto know and grow!

Local Church Leaders Workshops teach thousands

Page 6A

Older Adult retreatOn April 12-14, Camp

Egan will host a Senior AdultRetreat. The Conferences

Older Adult Ministry Council

plans three retreats in 2011.

Canyon will host in September,

and Cross Point in October.

(www.kumc.g/

ode_aduts)

Thirsty to know more?

Pastor Daniel Starikov,

with his family, brings new

energy to the church in

Lytkarina, Russia. The Rus-

sia Initiative seeks salary

support for him.

8/7/2019 Contact Newspaper March 25, 2011

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact March 25, 2011Page 7A

BriefyJohnson to lead Womens retreat

Frankye Johnson will lead a spiri-

tual growth retreat for all women on

April 29-May 1 at Canyon Camp, spon-

sored by Oklahoma Conference United

Methodist Women (UMW).

Rev. Johnson is superintendent of

the Oklahoma City-South District and

a native of Muskogee.

She is a contributor to the Women of

Color Bible and has been co-dean of the

Local Pastors Licensing School.

Raised in the National Baptist denomination, Johnson

has much experience as a church musician, Sunday school

teacher, and leader for womens prayer and study retreats.

Prior to entering formal ministry, she earned a nursing degree

and worked in health care. She has three children.

The UMW retreat opens at 7 p.m. Friday and concludes at

noon Sunday. Theme is Faith, Hope, and Love in Action.

Deadline to sign up is April 11. Contact registrar Coe Ann

Patton of Tulsa, capatton2@cox.net.

2 agencies receive grants

Two Oklahoma Conference agencies have received grants

from the denominations General Board of Church & Society.

nA total of $32,000 was approved for the Exodus House

program of Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries (CJAMM).n The general board sent $15,000 for the 2011 Summer

School of Chemical Dependency, presented by Addiction

Ministries.

The Exodus House program assists newly released in-

mates by meeting initial living needs, including households

of reunited parents and children. Facilities are in Tulsa and

Oklahoma City.

This program demonstrates restorative justice and suc-

cess in reaching their goals, the general board stated in a

letter to Stan Basler, CJAMM director.

Drug and alcohol addictions are forefront in the intensive

education that takes place in the two-week Summer School,held in June at Oklahoma City University. The general board

directed its grant be used to scholarship Native-American and

African-American participants.

This program provides needed training for clergy, noted

the letter to Annette Harper, director of Addiction Ministries.

The two Oklahoma directors were notied of the grants

by the general boards Ethnic Local Church and Human Re-

lations Day Funding Committee. The Human Relations Day

offering is received on one of six Special Sundays observed

annually across the denomination. The grants for Oklahoma

underscore the connectional work of the Church.

OMM president named Trustee of the Year

On March 9, President Gail Runnels of the Oklahoma

Methodist Manor (OMM) Board of Trustees was named 2011

Trustee of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Homes

and Services for the Aging.

Runnels joined the OMM board in 2001 and became

president in 2006. Under his leadership, the United-Methodist

related facility in Tulsa has begun a campus-wide redevelop-

ment, including the addition of the 103-residence Crestwood

neighborhood, the 11,000-square-foot Spann Wellness Center,

and renovations to the Health Care Center.Runnels has been in private practice as an attorney and

certied public accountant since 1961. He and his wife, Vir-

ginia, are long-time members of Tulsa-First UMC.

Gail Runnels leadership has had a transformational

effect at Oklahoma Methodist Manor. His creativity and

zeal have encouraged us to greater achievements than we

previously believed possible, said Steve Dickie, OMM

executive director.

Strathdees to perform in Oklahoma

Jim and Jean Strathdeeinternationally honored United

Methodist songwriters, worship leaders, and concert art-

istswill present a series of sing-along concerts across the

Oklahoma Conference in late March and early April.

Concerts will take place at these churches:

March 30 at Grace UMC in Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

March 31 at Guthrie-First UMC, 7 p.m.

April 1 at Highland Park UMC in Stillwater, 7 p.m.

April 3 at Alva-First UMC, 6 p.m.

April 4 at Miami-First UMC, 7 p.m.

The Strathdees have a special gift for encouraging people

to sing with them. Most of the music they write and perform is

for congregational singing. Their music is widely published,

with some of their work in The Faith We Sing, a supplement

to TheUnited MethodistHymnal. The Strathdees have a long

association with those in the Oklahoma Conference, having

led music at youth training events and camps.

Evangelism effort expands

As the New Christians evangelism emphasis moves

forward in the Conference, these plans are developing.

n Prayers recorded by Bishop Hayes are posted on the

Conference website, www.kumc.g. You and your church

group can join your prayers with his. A new video is posted

every two months.

nOn May 14 at Abiding Harvest UMC, in Broken Arrow,the second event in a Conference-wide evangelism training

series will be held. Keynote speaker will be Bishop Scott

Jones of the Kansas Area, a former professor of evangelism

at Perkins School of Theology.

n On Aug. 2 in Ardmore, another regional training will

be held, with speaker Elaine Heath.

Christian music videos available

The Media Library has available three new Music Video

Loops by Interlinc, which assists youth leaders with quality

Christian music for students.Each features over 15 music videos and related Bible studies.

Contact aballew@okumc.org or 405-530-2075.n No. 70 features music by Project 86, Manafest, Flatfoot 56,

Red, Fireight, Flyleaf, B. Reith, Pettidee, Matt Papa, Dave Barnes,

Sho Baraka, Abandon Kansas, KJ-52.

nNo. 71 features Switchfoot, Manaf-

est, House of Heroes, Owl City, Casting

Crowns, Trip Lee, Downhere, Viktory,

The Museum, Andrew Peterson, Coffey

Anderson, Kari Jobe, Sanctus Real, Hawk

Nelson, Polen, Delirious?

n No. 72 features Flyleaf, Sent By

Ravens, Third Day, David Crowder,SHIROCK, Demon Hunter, Matthew

West, Tenth Avenue North, The Afters, Abandon Kansas, Mercy Me,

Circleslide, Underoath, Delirious?

No. 72 also features a Youthworker Guide on the movie

Soul Surfer, in theaters April 15. The movie is based on the

story of Bethany Hamilton, a teen surfer who summons the

courage to go back into the ocean after losing her arm in a

shark attack.

Stephen Ministry training is April 2

On April 2, Wickline UMC in Midwest City will host a

Stephen Ministry Workshop. Trained laypeople at more than10,000 churches extend one-to-one Christian caring as Ste-

phen Ministers. The workshop will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Register

at www.stephenministry.org/workshop.

WeddingOn Jan. 1, 2011, David Croninger married Robin Paul in

Cordell. Rev. Croninger is the pastor at Cordell UMC.

Opportunities

Appointments

Dect: Full-time. Wesley Foundation at Northeastern

State University in Tahlequah. Carla Robison, crobison@

crosstel.net.

Chdens Mnstes Dect: Part-time. Norman-St.

Stephens UMC, ststephensumc@coxinet.net.

Chdens Mnst inten: May 15-Aug. 15. St. MarksUMC, 8140 N.W. 36th St., Bethany, OK 73008. 405-789-9033,

children@stmarksbethany.org.

Cdnt f Eement Chdens Mnst:

OKC-Church of the Servant, Randy Shrauner, rshrauner@

churchoftheservant.com.

Dect f Student Mnstes: Full-time. Pleasant Valley

UMC, Wichita, Kan. Contact Nathan Stanton, 1600 W. 27th St.

N., Wichita, Kan. 67204, nathans@pvumc.com.

Everisto Chikanga to Leave of Absence from Ardmore-War-

ren Memorial/Redemption (Ardmore District), effective Feb. 15.

Teresa Green to Transitional Leave from Salvation Amy

development coordinator (North OKC), effective Feb. 1.Lenn Murray, retired, to Gerty UMC (Ardmore), effective

Feb. 15.

Robert Langston, retired, to Allen UMC (Ardmore), effec-

tive Feb. 15.

In memoriamDvd rends

Rev. David Walter Reynolds, 60, of Tulsa died Feb. 22, 2011.

At the time of his death, he was the pastor at Rose Hill UMC in

Tulsa. Memorial service was Feb. 26 at the church.

David was born Oct. 6, 1950, in Burlington, Kan. He earned

a degree at the University of Tulsa and worked for the InternalRevenue Service before his ministry career.

He studied at Phillips Theological Seminary. Beginning in

1997, he served churches at South Coffeyville and Blackburn,

before his assignment to Rose Hill in 2005.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Darrah Reynolds, and four

children: David, Michael, Lesley, and Dwight.

Ebet Jhnsn

Rev. Elbert C. Johnson, 93, of Eniddied Feb. 27, 2011. Funer-

al service was March 3 at Peoples Funeral Home in Lone Wolf.

Elbert was born May 4, 1917, in Greer County. He operated

a family farm until age 40. He graduated from Perkins School

of Theology in 1966.His rst appointment was to the Berlin Circuit in 1963. He

also pastored at Liberty, Gould/Dryden, Duncan-Stephens, El-

dorado/High Point, Haworth Circuit, Mutual, Bethel/Bridgeport,

and Verden. A Local Pastor, he retired in 1982. He then lived in

Headrick for 26 years.

Survivors in Oklahoma include two brothers.

Bune Ce

Rev. Burney Combs Cope, 93, of Ardmore died March 5,

2011. Memorial service was March 8 at Mannsville UMC.

Burney was born Aug. 9, 1917, in Buffalo, Texas. He mar-

ried Sara Carson on Christmas Day 1942 at Malakoff, Texas.

He completed seminary; his ministry career began in 1942, andhe retired in 1983.

He was superintendent of the Ardmore District, 1973-79.

He was pastor at Colbert, Coalgate, Glenwood/Park View,

Tulsa-Grace, Purcell/Criner, Pryor, Seminole, OKC-Epworth,

Putnam City, Ada-First, and Claremore-First. He rst served in

the Southwest Texas Conference.

Upon retirement, the Copes moved to Ardmore. Rev. Cope

led an interdenominational ministry at Lake Texoma and was

pastor at Mannsville for several years.

Survivors include Sara; children Wayne Cope and Sue Stitt,

both of Ardmore, and Jane Welch of Oklahoma City; eight

grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Megan Shepherd, 30, of Claremore died March 6. She was

the daughter of Rev. Michael Shepherd, pastor at Fargo and Gage.

Elsie Lyons, 89, of Lubbock, Texas, died March 1. She

was the mother of Rev. Arthur Lyons, pastor at Anadarko-St.

Paul UMC.

Johnson

Booklet cover

of No. 71

8/7/2019 Contact Newspaper March 25, 2011

8/8

March 25, 2011

PLAN HAVE YOU CREATED APLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE?Creating your plan is now easier than ever before with the Oklahoma United

Methodist Foundations free booklet A Christian Guide to Planning Your Will and Trust.

This guide will help you organize your family and estate information. When you are

finished, you may share your booklet with your attorney who

can then complete your will or trust plan and prepare it for f iling.

Planning for your future has never been easier! Call the Foundationat 800-259-6863 or visit www.okumf.org to request your free

Christian Guide to Planning Your Will and Trust.

Page 8A

(PART 2)

B JoSEpH HarriSCnfeence Secet

A new online opportunity is offered to

learn about the women and men nominated

for election as Oklahomas lay delegates to

the denominations 2012 General/Jurisdic-

tional Conferences.

For the rst time, lay nominees have been

invited to record audio statements, which

will be made available at www.kumc.g.

The traditional booklet with each lay

nominees profile also will be mailed to

churches Lay Members to the 2011 AnnualConference, to be held in Oklahoma City on

May 29-June 1. Those proles also will be

posted online.

An equal number of clergy and laity,

elected by their peers at the 2011 Annual

Conference, will form the General/Jurisdic-

tional delegation from Oklahoma.

All voting will take place on May 30.

Who may serve as a lay delegate toGeneral/Jurisdictional Conference?

The Book of Discipline contains UnitedMethodist policies and laws.

Paragraph 36-Article V lists the condi-

tions that must be met for election as a Gen-

eral/Jurisdictional Conference lay delegate.

n The delegates, without regard to age,shall have been members of The United

Methodist Church for at least two years next

preceding (two consecutive years immedi-

ately preceding) their election.

n They also shall have been active par-

ticipants for at least four years (active in

The United Methodist Church at least two

years before they became members for the

two years immediately preceding their elec-

tion as a General Conference delegate) next

preceding their election.

n They must also hold membership in aUnited Methodist church within the bound-

aries of the annual conference electing them

when the General Conference, jurisdictional

conference, or central conference to which

they are elected is held.

n They must follow the nomination pro-

cedures described in the Standing Rules of

the 2010 Annual Conference Journal.

nA person does not have to be a churchs

Lay Member to the Annual Conference to be

elected as a General/Jurisdictional Confer-

ence lay delegate.(The fnal article in this series

will explain specifc voting procedures

for Annual Conference.)

Donations for the Used

Book Sale now are being

accepted at OKC-Wesley

UMC, at 25th and Classen.

Oklahomas retired cler-gy group annually organizes

this benet to support the

Clergy Crisis Fund.

Book donations should

be delivered to Wesley

church by May 22.

Coordinators ask that

volumes be packed spinesup, to easily see titles, and

in smaller boxes, for safe

sorting.

Volunteers to move

books will be needed May

28. Sales begin the after-

noon of May 30. Helpers

also are needed during thesale hours.

To assist, contact Neil

Winslow, 405-250-7972.

Photography enthusiasts have an opportu-

nity to express their visions of the 2011 Annual

Conference theme, The PlanA Bridge to

the Future, through a photo contest.Winners will receive gift cards. Contact

will publish the top three photos.

Submssn dedne s M 6.

To enter, an Oklahoma United Methodist

participant must submit his or her photo of

any bridge in Oklahoma, along with a brief

paragraph (50 words or less) stating why

that bridge helps people envision the theme.

Contest details:

Submit an 8-inch by 10-inch photo print,

matted only (no frame), plus a CD with acopy of the photo in JPG or TIF format.

On the back of the photo, attach a list

with: your address, phone, e-mail, church

and location, and the general location of the

bridge. (Do NOT write on the photo itself.)

Also include this information on the CD.

Submit the paragraph along with photo.

You may include it on the CD.Mail entry to: Debra Campbell, Custer

City United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 135,

Custer City, OK 73639.

General information

A committee will judge the entries on

May 30. First-place prize: $100 Wal-Mart

gift card. Two honorable mentions will each

receive a $25 Wal-Mart gift card.

All photos will be displayed at OCU

during the Annual Conference. Entries can

be picked up June 1; those not claimedbecome the property of the Department of

Communications.

To contact Rev. Campbell, 580-593-2224

or debracampbell74883@yahoo.com.

Countdown to Annual ConferencePhoto contest zoomsin on state bridges

Used books sought for retirees benet sale

Info about laity nomineeswill be available on website

The okhm Unted Methdst Fundtn inc., 4201 Cssen Bvd., okhm Ct 73118; www.kumf.g; 800-259-6863

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact