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Contact, an edition ofThe United Methodist ReporterTwo Sections, Section A 039000 Volume 157, Number 19 September 10, 2010

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

www.okumc.org

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.

qGrow in your spiritual life, 4-5Aq Chainsaw class is new training tool, 8A

Photo by Amelia Ballew

Mike Brown and Evelyn Phyffer of OKC-Crown Heights

UMC are surrounded by boxes lled with books,

ready for shipment to Ganta United Methodist School,

Liberia, for a new library. The book drive began inNovember, and the donations lled several rooms at

Crown Heights. Total: 12,000 books and 1,000 periodi-

cals, in 271 boxes. Phyffer said donors were creative

in procuring materials. One church member visited

the Oklahoma City Friends of the Library book sale;

former teachers donated from their education collec-

tions. The Hobby Lobby company delivered the books,

plus other school supplies, to Indiana. From there,

UM-related Operation Classroom will transport them

to Liberia. Phyffer has served on multiple missions to

Liberia, including a team trip with Bishop Hayes. In

February 2011, she and Gay Abarr of OKC-Wesley willlead a VIM construction team to Liberia.

Booked for travel

Wagonload of love

God Squads spark

a powerful force for good

Volunteers from Fairland UMC prepare to deliverbackpacks lled with food for elementary students.

From left are Norma Kraus, Glenda Sparkman, Joe

Kraus, Pastor Carole Minter, Kim Anderson, and Jane

Wilson. More projects feed the hungry, 6A.

Volunteers swarm the

Walnut house in Altus,

refurbishing it as a

Youth Force project.

See the inset above for

the outstanding results.Youth Force stories, 7A.

Worshippers literally will

always stand on the Words

of God at East Cross UMCin Bartlesville. A remodeling

project is under way, and the

congregation is writing biblical

verses on the concrete oor.

As they write, they pray for all

the people who will use the

facility and be impacted by

the churchs ministries. Pic-

tured are mother and daugh-

ter Kay and Kary Ruehlen.

At one entryway, Welcome

all children was inscribed.Some people pen favorite

Scriptures, and the Prayer

Group compiled a list of sug-

gested verses. If a selection

is lengthy, several people

may take turns to complete

it. Special ink pens are used,

and helpers assist people

with physical challenges.

Carpet and tile will cover the

verses, but the words will

remain to form a rm founda-tion for East Cross witness.

Emery Mason is senior pastor

at the church.

Photo by Paula Lindblom

Grounded

in prayer

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Sept. 10, 2010Page 2A

The Oklahoma United Methodist Phone: 405-530-2075

Fax: 405-530-2093

1501 N.W. 24thOklahoma City, OK 73106

Robert E. Hayes Jr., bishop

Joseph Harris, director of communications

Holly McCray, editorTo subscribe, send mailing information

and $15 to our address at left.

Moving? Send change by mail or e-mail: aballew@okumc.org.

Nyla Wallin, administrative assistant/video coordinator

Alicia Galyon, Web ministry/graphics design

Amelia Ballew, The Media Center

Sign up online forContact Digest, a free electronic newsletter. Find information at www.okumc.org.

Send news to editor@okumc.org. Next publication date: Oct. 1.

The Oklahoma Regatta Festival and

Head of the Oklahoma regatta return

to the Oklahoma River on Oct. 7-10 in

Oklahoma City. The festival is a four-

day celebration of rowing, kayaking,

dragon boating, and family fun on the

Oklahoma River.This years festival includes a na-

tional coaching clinic, OCU Head of

the Oklahoma racing, OG&E Night-

Sprints, and a family festival with live

music, art, a childrens area, and food

from some of Oklahoma Citys best

restaurants. For more information, visit

www.headoftheoklahoma.com.OCU and OKC National High Per-

formance Center athletes will celebrate

the christening of the Devon Boathouse

on Oct. 7. With the boathouse open, the

community will have opportunities to

enjoy recreational river sports. Kayak

and bicycle rentals, tness classes, and

trails are open to the public through theOKC RIVERSPORT program.

August also saw the

opening of a new venture

sponsored by the univer-

sity.

Bluetique, a resale

shop for donated items,

opened in a convertedhouse at the northeast cor-

ner of 23rd and Virginia,

at the edge of the campus.

This new enterprise

offers employment op-

portunities for students,

and proceeds from sales

will fund more student jobopportunities on campus.

Oklahoma City University began the new

academic year with the Matriculation Convo-

cation on Aug. 18 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium.

This opening worship service previously

was held in the chapel, but an overow crowd

there last year

n e c e s s i t a t e d

the move to the

larger Kirkpat-

rick Auditorium.

Almost every seat was lled in this perfor-

mance hall this year.

OCU continued the tradition of greeting

new undergraduates with applause from

faculty, administration, and trustees, who

lined the sidewalk to the auditorium. The line

began in Centennial Plaza, near 23rd Street,

and stretched to the Fine Arts Center.

New President Robert Henry put the

freshmen at ease by noting this also is his

rst year at OCU. A stirring anthem by the

80-voice Matriculating Freshmen Chorus was

one highlight of the service, led by the vice-

president for University Church Relations,

UM clergywoman Margaret Ball. Freshmen

joined in an-

other university

tradition; touch-

ing the gold star

symbol on their

way from the building. This gesture served as

a sign of their covenant to uphold the United

Methodist tradition of academic excellence,

spiritual development, and service to others.

Throughout orientation week, a number of

freshmen commented on the warm welcome

they received. This included appreciation

for upperclassmen helping them move into

the dorms and opportunities to share meals

together and meet new friends.

Freshmen begin school year with worship

Faculty and administrators line the sidewalk to applaud freshmen walking tothe new school years convocation.

Boutique supports studentsBoating events set for Oct. 7-10

United Methodist Women from across the state

will gather in Tulsa at the largest UM church in the

state for their annual meeting on Oct. 1-2.

Tulsas Asbury UMC will host the 37th UMW

Annual Meeting. Theme is Lets Get Together!

Guest speaker will be Yvette Richards of Kansas

City, Mo., an elected director in the Womens Divi-

sion.

On Friday evening, sign-in opens at 5:30, with

food and entertainment planned.

For Saturdays program, Asburys Hands of Love

Choir will perform, and Richards will speak. Also

on the agenda are presentations about two missions

in Oklahoma, Neighborhood Services Organization

and Cookson Hills Center, and special guest Bishop

Robert Hayes Jr.

Gift cards to support the two missions are being

collected by UMW chapters.

Richards 20-year career in the insurance industry

includes work as a catastrophe claim representative.

She has a communications degree.

She is highly involved in church and civic endeav-

ors. She joined UMW in 1987, and her leadership

includes ofces in the Missouri West Conference

UMW, dean of that conferences School of Mission,

and regional Schools of Mission study leader. She

served on the Teen and College/University Women

Adult Consultative Team.

Richards also has volunteered with Ronald Mc-

Donald House, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Girl Scouts.

Christian activist Shane Claiborne will

speak at several United Methodist venues on

Oct. 16 and 17 in the Oklahoma City area.

His presentations that weekend are jointlysponsored by the Youth and Young Adult

Councils of the Oklahoma Conference.

Claiborne writes and travels extensively,

speaking about peacemaking, social justice,

and Jesus.

Claiborne is a founding partner of The

Simple Way, an inner-city faith community

in Philadelphia. His ministry experience has

varied from working alongside Mother Te-

resa in Calcutta; to a post at Willow Creek

Community Church, a megachurch outside

Chicago; to serving with the Iraq Peace Teamin Baghdad.

His work was spotl ighted in the Septem-

ber/October issue ofInterpreter, the Churchs

ministry magazine.

His books include The Irresistible Revo-

lution, Jesus for President, and Becoming

the Answer to Our Prayers.

Here is Claibornes schedule.

n Oct. 16

10 a.m., Youth Summit 2010, Yukon-First

UMC

7 p.m., plenary on solidarity with the poor,Edmond-Acts II UMC

n Oct. 17

8:30 and 10:50 a.m., guest preacher, morn-

ing worship, Norman-St. Stephens UMC

3 p.m., workshop on creating intentional

community, Smith Chapel, Oklahoma City

University

(www.thesimpleway.org/shane)

Young leaders invite Christian activist to OKC

Claiborne

Richards

United Methodist Women will gather at Tulsa-Asbury

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Two witnesses honored

A question is asked on the nomination

form for the prestigious Harry Denman

Evangelism Award. What difference has

this person made in the lives of people, the

Church, and the community? Nominees

should be persons respected for their

outstanding success in helping others ex-

perience Gods transforming love through

Jesus Christ.

Pastors Stan Wareld and Sharen Hale

received Denman Awards at the 2010 Oklahoma

Annual Conference.The witness of these two United Methodist

champions for Christ is vividly described in the written

words of those who nominated them, quoted in this story.

Their witness should be emulated by all.

They are bringing about holy transformation in widely dif-

ferent settings: Rev. Wareld in Stillwater, population 47,000-

plus; Rev. Hale in Gene Autry, population 120.

Stan Warfeld:

Were glad youre riding

with us, Preacher

An American serviceman from Stillwater was killed in

Afghanistan. From the local airport, his cofn was escorted

into town by military veterans on motorcycles, each ying the

American ag. These men in leather jackets and motocycle

boots were joined by Stan Wareld, in his helmet, suit jacket,

and orange necktie, riding his orange motor scooter. Were

glad youre riding with us, Preacher, said

one of the men. They knew him and

welcomed him.

He is also known as Pastor

Dude. In his years in Stillwater,

Warfield has met and shared

with people from all parts of the

community.

The Oklahoma clergyman

began preaching when he was in

high school. Ordained in 1976, he

was appointed to lead Stillwater-

First UMC in 2000.

Fruits of the spirit attributed toWareld: Personal. Peacemaker. Com-

munity-minded. Empowers people to do their

own ministries. Encourages diversity. Embraces and

embodies the idea that we are a Church Beyond Walls. In-

tentional about becoming involved with those searching for

meaning in their lives.

nWareld met with a class of college students. Are you

going to stay for the church service? he asked. They declined;

they had to hurry to lunch. He learned the dormitories and

fraternity houses served no noon meal on Sundays. Come to

church next Sunday, and Ill see that there will be lunch for

you after church. Since then, when Oklahoma State Universityis in session, the Sunday School classes take turns providing

lunch for students.Will Paine

nWe had been attending church sporadically for about a

year when Stan was appointed. We listened carefully to see

what the new preacher would bring to the church we consid-

ered joining. Week after week, I would watch Stan work his

way through the people in the sanctuary with a welcoming

greeting, a kind word, and a hand of friendship outstretched.

Stan was the ofciating pastor when my daughters, then ages 4

and 2, were baptized. My children have benetted by knowingthat a pastor enjoys laughing and knows it is OK to cry, that a

pastor honors his faith through word and deed. My youngest

daughter referred to Stan as the talking God because of the

weekly conversations with the children about Gods love for

them.Brenda Rolls

n He interacts comfortably with executives and hourly

workers, men and women, young and more mature people.

When I have faced business challenges, Stan has proven to

be a good listener, helps me work through issues, and sup-

ports my desire to create a business that honors Christ and my

faith. He has helped me understand that my position as CEO

allows me to minister to people I encounter in the businesssetting.Brenda Rolls

nWareld has served as a chaplain and mentor for re de-

partments and law enforcement agencies. I have witnessed him

going to an apartment for a death notication. Many times he is

invited in, and offers Gods grace and hope to those who have

never experienced the grace of Christ. You can imagine the im-

pact this has on the family in such situations.Andrew Ranson

n I walked with Stan through helping move a grand, his-

torical, and wonderful church into becoming one transforma-

tional in nature, ready to meet challenges of this new century.

As a Don Nations Association pilot church, Stan and other

Stillwater-First leaders worked with the district on issues oftransformation. The associations transformation score for that

church was 41, the highest level awarded.Bert Potts

Another nomination letter eloquently summarized this

clergymans impact: Stan does not expect people to seek him

out; rather, Stan seeks out the people to whom he can share

Gods love and grace. Stan is clear about his commitment to

ministry. Stan says we must let them see Jesus. Rev. Stanley

Wareld Jr. does just that.

Sharen Hale:

She identifed with theheart-language of the people

In southern Oklahoma, Sharen Hale is appointed quarter-

time to minister at Gene Autry UMC. She holds a full-time

secular job; more time goes to her college studies.

Her timing is right for God.

The church in southern Oklahoma reported 26 professions

of faith in 2009. Worship attendance averaged 20 people in

2007; in 2009, that average was 80.

Rev. Hale believes and practices that no one should be in

the same place now than they were a year ago in their relation-ship with God, stated Katherine McQuistion.

The Ardmore area has always been home to Hale. In child-

hood, she attended Ardmore-First UMC. She experienced her

call to ministry in 2006, while attending a Walk to Emmaus

event. She became a Lay Speaker, lling pulpits for two years

in Ardmore District before receiving her license to preach.

Gene Autry UMC is the rst appointment for this Local Pastor.

Chuck Stewart, an associate lay leader for the Oklahoma

My

individua

lfaithisfocusedin

ward

Living thePlan

Lets get personal. Your own faithgrowth is key in the OklahomaConferences Strategic Plan.

The Churchs mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the

transformation of the world is both personal and collective. Transformational

ministryby churches, districts, the conference, and beyonddepends on you.

Are you closer to God today than you were last year? Further away? Or about the same?

What does a disciple do? Have you shared your experiences? Has your church helped you?Those questions were posed by Craig Stinson, director of Connectional Ministries and

Congregational Development, at the 2010 Annual Conference.

Faith is both inward and outward, Rev. Stinson said. My faith has an individual compo-

nent and a group expression within my community of faith. With a quarter of a million United

Methodists in Oklahoma, we ought to see transformation going on!

This Living the Plan series in Contactlaunches today with stories of individual spiritual

development and personal Christian witness. Holly McCray

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Page 5A

Conference, taught a Lay Speaking class in which Hale was en-

rolled. I saw in Sharen a passion for people that exceeded her

own anxieties, he said. People can learn relationship-building

skills. Sharen is the person who should be teaching the class. She

leads with her heart, and I believe she knows no other way.

Attendance at Gene Autry UMC had been steady, about

20 people, for several years prior to her appointment. Few

children or youths participated. Building debt totaled about$75,000.

In March, the church celebrated; that debt has been

fully repaid. More than 40 children and youths participate

in learning and fellowship on Sundays and Wednesdays. A

community Vacation Bible School, a joint effort with First

Baptist Church, drew more than 100 people. As you enter

each Sunday, you will probably be greeted by a teenage

usher, wrote Guy Ames, Ardmore District superintendent.

In over 30 years of ministry, I have rarely witnessed such

a t between pastor and congregation, said Rev. Ames. Hale

immediately identied with the heart-language of the people of

Gene Autry. Her personality and passion for people has created astrong lay-led ministry, into many areas of witness and mission.

With Hales leadership, the congregation has organized ac-

cording to the Book of Discipline, has begun using The United

Methodist Hymnal, and is learning about the liturgical seasons,

Ames said. And the church is always looking for more opportu-

nities to be in mission.

Ames provided several powerful examples of that.

n A tornado roared through nearby Lone Grove. The Gene

Autry Fire Department was called out that night. Almost before

the sirens had subsided, Hale was teaming up with her reghting

church members, going through debris, bringing aid and prayer to

people in desperate need. More than 300 households were impacted.Within days she had organized the congregation to team with an

Ardmore District response.

nWildres struck an area that included Ratliff City, where

Hale works, and other rural communities in Carter and Stephens

Counties. More

than 250 homes were badly damaged or burned to the ground.

Hale initiated a daily volunteer support operations service out of

her ofce and later worked as a volunteer in the case management

response led by UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).

n On a Palm Sunday, as an act of faith and statement of the

servant nature of this church, the people carried a large cross during

a 2-mile walk through the countryside and to the church, callingtheir neighbors to walk with them and join them for worship.

As a result of (Sharen Hales) energetic witness and servant

model, lives are strengthened, the church is healthier, and people

have been invited to join the Kingdom family, Ames said.

By HOLLY McCRAY

New deaconess Elaine Parrent is legally blind. Because of

her visual impairment, she cannot drive. She always enlargestext on a computer screen. Indistinct shifts in oor surfaces

may cause her to fall.

But she clearly sees Gods purpose for her life.

She was commissioned as a United Methodist deaconess

a specialized laity rolein St. Louis, Mo., on April 29, in a

ceremony piggybacked with the global Assembly of United

Methodist Women (UMW). Side by side, Parrent and Kathy

Caldron walked in the processional and assisted in serving

Communion. Caldron is Oklahoma Conference UMW presi-

dent; Parrent serves in that role for South OKC District.

Other Oklahoma UMW members were in the St. Louis

audience of 1,600 people.Heres this church full of people. My sister from Kansas

was there. And, of course, I cant see past the rst row, Par-

rent said.

But she could feel her goosebumps.

It was a very humbling experience. All these people were

coming through, and they were speaking to me. They were

thanking me for doing this! It was so afrming.

Today Parrent continues her work as church business ad-

ministrator at OKC-St. Johns, her employer since 2003. She

views her work career differently due to her study and training

as a deaconess. Its more than a job; its her mission.

Her faith journey has not always been so focused.When she began attending St. Johns in 1995, she volun-

teered for kitchen duty. Thats where I always went when I

worked for any organization, she said. I was comfortable

there. My vision was my excuse to not do (more).

But there had always been this ache. Its hard to put into

words.

Parrent holds college degrees

in mathematics and psychol-

ogy. She supervised in an ac-counting ofce for 12 years.

At St. Johns, she began to

expand her volunteerism,

including ofce tasks.

Ed Dexter was ap-

pointed as pastor. He

emphasized mission

outside the building,

she said. And her

view of God began

to blur. Parrent said,

It was the natu-ral progression of

learning what the

ache was about:

mission. And having some-

body verbalize it.

(Ed) said God is someone you can be a

friend with. And I wentHuh? In my perception, God was

this huge man, up in the sky, beating down on you.

Dexters teaching was transforming.

My eyes were never the problem. My attitude was,

summed up Parrent. I used (my vision) as an excuse instead

of letting myself see what I could do.At St. Johns, the people were so hospitable, so loving.

With the church body allowing me to do whatever I felt like

I could, I grew out of that visually-impared excuse mode and

became much more mission-oriented.

Her mission knowledge increased so much by her partici-

pation in UMW and the annual School of Christian Mission.

In 2007, UM deaconess Susan Hunt spoke to the

St. Johns UMW members about deaconesses, of

which Id never heard, Parrent said. I went home

and went to the website. It just made sense to me.

The formal path to becoming a deaconess begins

with discernment and includes ve core studies: Church

history, polity, doctrine, the Testaments, and theology of

mission.

Parrent traveled to New York City and Nashville; she

read a lot. She expressed deep thanks for the support she

receives from her home church.

Most deaconesses work in secular rolesinner-city

schools, health care, rural communitiesrather than as church

staff. Parrent relishes the variety of mission connections at

St. Johns. Among them: a daycare, quilters guild, Financial

Peace University, Girl Scouts, food pantry, and New Journey

fellowship.

Her duties at the church continue, but as a deaconess she

now sees all her life in new ways. Its a learning experience

in the whole faith journey, of different ways to look at things,

interpret, and understand from people outside my little niche,

she said.

The business part of me wont let me just sit. Im still

learning.

Parrent is one of three deaconesses in the Oklahoma Confer-

ence. Pat Hoerth serves at Turtle Rock Farm, a retreat center

in northern Oklahoma, and Nancy VanAntwerp directs Reach

Our City, providing health care in Oklahoma City.

Photos, from far left: Lyndon James Redman sits

with Sharen Hale, his grandmother; Stan

Wareld presents an achievement

award to a teen at JEM Camp; and

Elaine Parrent wears her

deaconess scarf at OKC-St. Johns.

PhotobyHollyMcCray

Elaine Parrent: There had always been this ache

We will recruit, assess, equip, and send spiritual leaders. (One of three specic goals for the Strategic Plan)

Myindi

vidual

faithisfocusedoutw

ard

Native American storyteller Ray Buckley and

evangelism professor Elaine Heath will lead the

Academy of Spiritual Formation on Oct. 17-22 at

Canyon Camp.

Open to all, the academy is offered every two

years and is sponsored by the Upper Room and the

Oklahoma Conference. The event seeks to:nProvide a comprehensive experience in spiritual

formation;

nEducate participants in the history and develop-

ment of the Christian spiritual life; and

n Encourage participants to live out their call

through recovering the disciplines of daily prayer and

participating in personal and group spiritual guidance.

Topics will be The Mystic Way: A Contemplative

Vision for Evangelism, Outreach, and Community,

by Rev. Dr. Heath; and When God Changes Your

Name: A Spiritual Journey Through Native Tradi-

tions, by Buckley.A native of Alaska, Buckley also is an author and

illustrator. His books include The Give-Away: A

Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition.

He previously directed the Native Peoples Com-

munication Ofce within United Methodist Com-

munications, and he led Connectional Ministries for

the Alaska Missionary Conference.

Heath is the initiator of New Day, a network of

missional, monastic faith communities in the United

Methodist tradition. She is the McCreless Assistant

Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theol-

ogy and director of the Center for Missional Wisdomat Southern Methodist University, Dallas.

Scholarships are offered for lay and clergy mem-

bers of the Oklahoma Conference. Registrar is Diana

Northcutt, 405-530-2144, dnorthcutt@okumc.org.

October academy explores

personal spiritual formation

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Sept. 10, 2010Page 6A

OpportunitiesYouth Director: Part-time. El

Reno-Wesley UMC, richardcato1@

sbcglobal.net, 405-262-3734.

Worship Leader: Contemporary

service. Barry Collins, Fort Gibson

UMC, bcollins@sbcglobal.net, 918-

478-3811.

Church Secretary: Part-time.

Computer skills. Cookson UMC, Box

15, Cookson, OK 74427, 918-457-

5717, cooksonumc@gmail.com.

Youth Director: Part-time. Susan

Whitley, Coweta UMC, swhitley@

cowetafumc.org, 918-486-5544.

Youth Director: Part-time. Kyle

Kiner, First UMC, Box 310, Hinton,

OK 73047, fumchinton@hintonet.net,

405-542-3347.

Musician: Part-time. Wayne Lof-

tin, Checotah UMC, 918-473-5714,

revloftin1@windstream.net, .

Youth Director: Part-time. Kip

Wright, Bristow UMC, bristowfumc@

sbcglobal.net, 918-367-3227.

Free: Outdoor sign metal letters.

Dan Eischen, Wetumka UMC, 405-

452-3367, eischendan15@yahoo.com.

Joseph Christopher Beach was

born July 23, 2010. His parents are

Anna and Rev. Chris Beach, pastor

of Tulsa-Wesley UMC.

Back-to-school blessingoffered in Lawton

To mark the beginning of the

school year in Lawton, Pastors Norma

Quinn and Chris Symes conducted the

Blessing of the Backpacks on Aug.

15 at Centenary UMC.

The prayer ritual blessed students,

school teachers, and Centenary mem-

bers who work with children in any

settingplus backpacks, briefcases,

and daily planners.

Pins imprinted with I have been

blessed were presented to 102 peo-

ple, who were in turn urged to be a

blessing to others. The blessing was

offered in both the traditional and con-

temporary Sunday worship services.

STORM UPDATEIn Tulsa,

broken roof rafters were

bound together to form a cross

in Aldersgate UMC after a tor-

nado. Amid ongoing repairs,

Aldersgate hosted almost 50

children for Project Transfor-

mation, buoyed by the gift of

space at a former UM churchbuilding and by volunteers

from nine partner churches.

Clarita church to mark100 years this month

Clarita-First United Methodist

Church will celebrate its 100th

anniversary on Sept. 26, starting at

10 a.m. and continuing through the

day and into opening night of the

annual Fishermens Revival.

The 10 oclock worship service

will feature music and pastors from

years past as special guests. At

noon, a catered BBQ lunch will be

served. At 2 p.m., the centennial

commemoration program begins.

The 5 oclock meal will feature

hamburgers and hot dogs.

The revival begins at 7, with

guest pastors Charles Hanna, Don

Johnson, and Ken Boatman.

Reservations for the lunch must

be made by Sept. 19. Contact Ann

Nelson, 580-428-3355, or Betty

Collins, 580-428-3560.

Find out more online at: www.

okumc.org/churches/detail/2413.

Margaret Southall, 81, died Aug. 13 at Overland

Park, Kan. She was the mother of Rev. Susan Southall,

associate pastor of Enid-First UMC.

Ina Frisby, 91, of Yukon died Aug. 29. She was the

mother of Rev. Dan Frisby, retired elder.

Viola Brotherton, 92, of Tulsa died Aug. 17. She

was the mother of Rev. Bruce Brotherton, pastor of

Idabel-First UMC.

Oologah lls kids packsfor weekends

By CHRIS EDENS

OOLOGAHMoney is tightduring this tough economy, and

some families are struggling to

put food on the table. Children

shouldnt go hungry because their

parents are struggling nancially.

Thats the philosophy behind

the Food 4 Kids backpack pro-

gram.

For the second school year, the

program is offered by the Oologah

United Methodist Church, through

its mission fund, and the OologahMinisterial Alliance. Church mem-

ber Lee Imhoff is the program

coordinator.

Students at risk of going hungry

on weekends are given sacks of

non-perishable food that are placed in their backpacks at school on Fridays.

In September 2009, 10 children were originally enrolled. That number

reached 49 by November.

Enrollment for this school year was not yet reported.

Weve been blessed with

enough money to take care of

these kids, Imhoff said. As long

as theres a kid in need, well take

care of them. One way or another,well take care of them.

Counselors at the upper and

lower elementary identify children

who are at risk of going hungry

over the weekend. To be eligible,

children must be enrolled in the

school free lunch program. Parents

must give permission for their child

to take part.

The Food 4 Kids program

bridges the gap between lunch on

Friday and breakfast on Mondayfor several of our students. The

program has been a great addition

to the lower elementary, said

Principal Gina Metcalf.

National studies have shown a

childs performance in school is profoundly affected by hunger. Children

in the backpack program attend school more often, are more condent in

learning, behave better, and stay more alert, educators reported.

(Reprinted with permission from the Oologah Lake Leader)

Generosity is feeding the success of a

meal delivery program, for senior adults,

offered by Douglas Boulevard UMC in

Midwest City.

Last fall, the church applied for a grant,

to address reports of state cutbacks in senior

nutrition programs. The church already had

in place a free meal program, in which about

150 people were served dinner once a week.

The new idea was to deliver meals twice a

week to senior citizens.

Food coordinator Donna Bassham

was thrilled when the church was granted

$33,900 from the Midwest City Hospital

Authority in the spring.

The rst week we were in operation, a

reporter fromEastwordnewspaper came out

and did a front-page feature on the new pro-

gram, said Pastor Jeannie Himes. Represen-

tatives from a local corporation, which chose

to remain anonymous, read the article and

donated new commercial appliances for the

church kitchen: an oven, freezer, and double

refrigerator, valued at almost $10,000.

Douglas Boulevard volunteers now

deliver over 100 meals each Tuesday and

Friday to seniors in the Midwest City area.

All summer, members of the youth group

worked side-by-side with adults in the

church to cook, package, deliver, and clean

up. Rev. Himes said the church receives calls

of thanks every week from meal recipients.

Feed His People is the mobile meal pro-gram at Douglas Boulevard UMC, Midwest

City. Janet Fryar steers a cart of bread.

Photo by Chris Edens

From left, volunteer Dolores Salyer helps Oologah High School

students Lindsay Johnson and Cindy Helvick pack food.

The delivery vehicle was a childs red wagon

when the Backpack Program in Fairland was

launched by First UMC in the 2008-09 school year.

The ministry has become a larger, community-

wide effort, and the food requires transport by car

or pickup truck.

The program has been an energizer for our

congregation, said Pastor Carole Minter.

Our congregation has been generous with time

and resources. We sincerely feel it is a privilege to

serve the children and families of this area. The

looks on the youngsters faces tell it all.First Church for several years hosted the Boys

and Girls Club of Fairland, providing leadership and

space for that after-school program. The congrega-

tion again was ready to step up to start the Backpack

Program for elementary students who need healthy

weekend snacks.

Church volunteers on Fridays initially delivered

12 backpacks of nonperishable food items to the

school, which sent them home with children identi-

ed as needing food support. In i ts second year, 23

students were served. Rev. Minter expects the need

to increase this school year.

We try to get a months worth (of food) at once.

Anytime we need funds, immediately they come

in, Minter said.

Instead of backpacks, sacks have proven more

practical, explained program director Glenda Spark-

man. Weekly, two volunteers ll each sack withabout a dozen goods, and another volunteer makes

the delivery. School personnel distribute the sacks.

Sparkman said the monthly cost was $340 last

school year. Businesses, clubs, and other churches

have given funds. An electric co-op awarded the

program a $2,500 grant.

Feeding projects packed in love

Fairland Backpack Program enters 3rd year

In memoriam Birth

Douglas Blvd. delivers meals to senior citizens

8/8/2019 Contact Sept 10, 2010

7/8

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Sept. 10, 2010Page 7A

By JORDAN GRUMMER

Jean Eagan was skeptical when she

learned her house in Poteau was about to be

refurbished free of charge.

Those offering to help werent trying

to scam her. They were with Youth Force,

sponsored each summer by the Oklahoma

Conference of The United Methodist Church.

This is the second year Youth Force has come

to LeFlore County.

Teenagersthose entering the seventh

grade to just-graduated seniorsand adult

leaders volunteer to build, paint, clean, or

refurbish whatever the homeowner may

need. Wheelchair ramps, porches, lawn care,

and painting are some

of the jobs the partici-

pants undertake.

Theyre a god-

send. Theres no way

in the world I could

afford it, Eagan said.

Not much had been

going right for Eagan,

age 77, in recent years.

Her sister applied for Youth Forces services

after seeing a notice in the newspaper.

She had lost two jobs, the second of which

put her in the hospital because of a bad back.

On top of that, I had a small lump on my

nose, Eagan said. When she found out the

growth was cancerous, she traveled to a Fort

Smith plastic surgeon.

He said the cancer was so bad that he lit-

erally had to scrape the bone to get it all out,

said Eagan, who endured 25 days of radiation

therapy. I almost lost my nose.

Youth Force brought some positive energy

into Eagans home.

It makes me feel great. It really does,

Eagan said. Its a wonderful program.

About 70 teens, from churches in Camer-

on, Heavener, Henryetta, Norman, Oklahoma

City, Poteau, and Princeton, Texas, worked at

10 job sites across LeFlore County from July

18-23. The group split into God Squads

teams of about seven teens and two adults

who spend the week together at a specic site.

The week can seem like its all about the

physical work, but Pam Cottrill, pastor of

Heavener-First UMC, said the kids also spend

the week building relationships.

As the week goes on, and they travel

together and do these things together, they

really form a bond, Rev. Cottrill said from

First UMC in Poteau, the base of operations.

Its a pretty neat thing to see that happen. It

would denitely be different if they just keptthem in their own church groups.

The homeowners also forge special bonds

with the volunteers, Cottrill said.

For the homeowners, its their little ock

or their little chickadees, Cottrill said. The

homeowners lives are touched deeply that

these youths are willing to give up ve days

of their summer vacation to come and work

in the hot sun for them.

Poteau High School graduate Josh Gra-

ham, 18, didnt mind the work or the heat.

I think Id rather help someone than justsit at home all day and wait for Mommy and

Daddy to tell you what to do, Graham said.

This was his second year with Youth

Force and his last as an eligible participant.

But he plans to continue his service as a God

Squad leader.

This is my way to give back. Its just a

way to let people know there are still people

in this world who still generally care about

helping, Graham said.

Mayte Vasquez, 14, of Heavener said Ea-

gans house was going to look great.We have to scrape the paint off, so we

can paint it over to look new again, she said.

Vasquez found herself in a unique posi-

tion; her home also was chosen by Youth

Force to be refurbished. I see that teenagers

and kids are working at my house, and I think

thats pretty cool, Vasquez said.

Lamarla Cook, a God Squad leader at

Eagans home, traveled from Oklahoma City,

where she is the pastor of Clark Memorial

UMC. She said giving back is easy because

she knows those being helped would do the

same if the roles were reversed.Ive never been a part of any mission

team where the people havent been loving

and appreciative, Cook said. I know they

would want to be able to help me.

(Reprinted with permission, Fort Smith

(Ark.) Times Record, July 24, 2010)

Youth Force 2010:

The prayers of their home congregations

lifted 190 people at work during Youth Force

Altus.

Altus-First UMC hosted the mission

teams for the second time. A total of 150

students and 40 adults volunteered to work,

from Claremore-First, Enid-Christ, Mustang,

OKC-St. Lukes, and Owasso churches, as

well as the host church. They formed 15 God

Squads that worked on 10 houses, painting,

siding, and roong.

The homes were selected by a groupfrom Altus-First, explained Amy Givens, that

churchs youth director. Tarps covered roof

holes, and siding was badly damaged.

Many of the projects selected this year

were very big jobs, but we knew God had

called us to work on these, Givens said. In

just four days, the homes are transformed, and

the lives of the homeowners and God Squad

members are transformed also, as Gods love

and grace are shown in a unique way.

She continued, God blessed Youth Force

Altus that week with cool weather, hard-working attitudes, and loving hearts focused

on the service that needed to be done.

About 100 more Altus volunteers prepared

meals, delivered snacks, opened their homes

so workers could shower, committed to pray,

and delivered supplies during the week.

This is my

way to giveback

Summer 2010

sites:

Hennessey

Oklahoma City

Guymon

LeFlore County

Lawton

Altus

15 God Squadshelp Altushomeowners

Wetumka broadcasts Internet radio program

Photo by Corey Krasko, Fort Smith Times Record

From left, Drew Chancey of Henrietta, Taryn Shelton of Poteau, and Austin

Abshire of Heavener build a wheelchair ramp and deck for a home in Pocola.

Wetumka-First UMC is taking advantage

of growing interest in Internet radio by of-

fering a weekly 30-minute program of Bibleteaching by Pastor Dan Eischen.

The program, Biblical Principles for

Kingdom Living, airs at 12:30 p.m. Sundays

and can be accessed at www.tenacityradio.

com. It is archived on that website for listen-

ing at any time.

Rev. Dr. Eischen has 17 years of broad-

casting experience, in country and news/talk

formats. He noted that, unlike the limited

frequency range for traditional radio sta-

tions, Internet stations can be heard aroundthe world. Due to his Sunday schedule,

Eischens teaching is recorded rather than

presented live. It is uploaded to a station in

North Carolina for airing.

The program began Sept. 5. The subject

title for Sept. 12 is When Are You Going

To Grow Up? and, for Sept. 19, the topic is

the Sermon on the Mount.

8/8/2019 Contact Sept 10, 2010

8/8

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Sept. 10, 2010Page 8A

Some disaster response volunteers were puzzled. Did

they really need three days to learn about chainsaw safety?

In the Storm Damage CleanUp Course, six Oklahoma

volunteers came to value that time commitment.

Trainer Joe Glenn, a professional logger and woodsman,

made believers out of all of us, said Richard Norman, disas-

ter response coordinator and associate director for Volunteers

In Mission (VIM). Joe provided many key elements for us

to implement into our overall training program.From six districts, the volunteers traveled in July to Mount

Sequoyah Conference Center, a UM facility in Fayetteville,

Ark. They gave their time, money, and talents to learn skills

that will further enable Oklahoma United Methodists to

safely, effectively serve victims of disasters.

One of my responsibilities is to ensure the utmost se-

curity and safety conditions are met in any activity in our

disaster response ministry, Rev. Norman said. Discussion

of chainsaws, their use, their safety, their liability, etc., has

been at the forefront. We need to have access to expertise if

we are going to provide a safe environment.

Norman emphasized:n Chainsaws are vitally useful and necessary tools in

many disaster response situations.

n They are among the most dangerous hand tools.

After the training, Michael Sheehan commented, The

chainsaw course is the needed, appropriate length, although

I did have my doubts before we came. Richard is on the right

path with his ideas of not getting the cart before the horse in

disaster response. Sheehan is from Boston Avenue United

Methodist Church, Tulsa.

Ed Bevers of Lindsay UMC said, Perhaps the single most

important element of this course is highlighting the need for

serious thinking and evaluation of every situation and helpingthe student to develop capacity to do this.

From OKC-Lakeside UMC, Curtis Cromwell said, Pre-

planning should be used in every case, in order to keep every

team member safe. We can use this plan as we go forward to

be used for storms or whatever we are challenged.

This was very informative and a necessary step in our

evolution of the early-response capability, said Kent Car-

baugh of Copan UMC. A previous class he took in chainsaws

and safety equipment did little to teach useful techniques

for utilizing the chainsaw, safely and effectively, in a disaster

response scenario. Having a trainer who actually used the

techniques and understood what might be encountered whenusing the chainsaw was a lot more benecial. Also, the hands-

on experiences we had are irreplaceable.

Norman said education, leadership, and training are his

top priorities at this time for effective and viable disaster

response ministry. He urged interested people to contact him

about participating in this type of ministry: 800-231-4166 ext.

2032, RNorman@okumc.org.

(www.okvim.org)

VIM putssafety rstwith training

Participants practice chainsaw safety skills. They are Richard Norman, Ed Bevers, Kent Carbaugh,

Mike Sheehan, trainer Joe Glenn, Curtis Cromwell, and Scott Stone.