By HOLLY McCRAY

Contact, an edition of The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A ? 039000 ? Volume 160, Number 06 ? June 7, 2013 THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

2013 Annual Conference

n List of clergy appointments -- 2-3A n Meet the new superintendents -- 4A n News from Annual Conference

-- next Contact issue

Tornado disaster relief

n Due to space and time limitations for this issue,

information about the UM response to the tornado disasters is being shared online and digitally (including at and on Facebook, Oklahoma United Methodist Communications' page).

n Message from our bishop

"Unbelievable devastation from several tornadoes has taken its toll on life and property in our state. We grieve with all those who are affected, and we invite concerned brothers and sisters from all faith communities to join us in prayer... "Our trained United Methodist disaster response teams are ready to provide assistance when called upon, and our churches and agencies have already opened their doors. "If you desire to help at

this time, I especially invite you to donate a monetary gift...

"May God bless us all as we lean upon each other and upon our Creator who is seeking to heal, restore, and bring wholeness out of this brokenness."

-- Your servant in Christ, Bishop Robert E. Hayes Jr.

A time

for transition

Due to financial duress, the

board of UMR Communications

voted May 16 to shutter the

Dallas-based nonprofit firm, thus

ending publication of The United

Methodist Reporter, which has

covered Methodist news since

1847. The Oklahoma Conference

Contact twice has partnered with UMR; the current collaboration

Harris

began in 2006.

Although this issue carries the final Reporter news,

the Oklahoma Conference Department of Communi-

cations will continue publishing Contact, through an

Oklahoma City printing/mailing service. As we make this

transition, we ask for your patience and understanding.

-- Rev. Dr. Joseph Harris, director of Communications



Acts 2 digs into new phase

Note burned, ground broken on same day

By HOLLY McCRAY

For a breathless moment, the

white paper inside the chiminea

refused to burn. But sudden

flames gobbled it, and the crowd

applauded outside Acts 2 United

Methodist Church in Edmond on

Pentecost Sunday, May 19.

The note-burning confirmed

full payment on the church's

building debt of almost $1.4

million. A 20-year mortgage was

settled in less than seven years.

But the Acts 2 crowd was just

warming up with that ritual. Se-

nior Pastor Mark Foster directed

the group to move out across the

church's property for another cer-

emony. They then broke ground for a building expansion that will double worship space, education

space, and parking space.

Photo by Holly McCray

Pastor Mark Foster monitors an outdoor fireplace at the Edmond-Acts 2 note-burning ceremony on May 19.

During morning worship, Rev. Foster had noted that the

The decision seems opportune. Also on May 19, the church

church will be debt-free "for about three weeks." On April 7, received into membership 15 young people, completing a

members had approved new construction; the Bi-District Board nine-month Confirmation class, and four families. The con-

of Church Location gave its go-ahead on April 23.

See Acts 2, 11A

Bridgeview claims its place in Norman

By HOLLY McCRAY

prayed, "Eternal God,

On May 19, Brid-

let this building be

geview United Method-

a house of salvation

ist Church in Norman

and grace, where

consecrated a home of

Christians gather to

its own.

worship you in spirit

Until last month, the

and truth ... May they

church had occupied

learn of you, and may

rental spaces since its

they grow together in

planting 13 years ago.

love."

The new building, about

Rev. Poteet re-

9,000 square feet, sets

called Bridgeview's

on debt-free church

1999 beginning in a

property on Indian Hills Road, about 1 mile west The new building's footprint is about 9,000 square feet.

Norman school cafeteria. "We started

of Interstate 35.

with high hopes. We

Late into the night on May 18, Pastor Sheri Lashley labored wanted to be that bridge into God's future," he said, as well as

in love at her sewing machine. She created brilliant red para- to offer ministry that bridged the change of centuries.

ments to adorn the church for its Consecration Sunday -- on

He challenged today's membership. "People will come to

Pentecost Sunday. Worshippers who wore red added to the sense see the new building. But you people will bring them back by

of rejoicing on the special day.

how you articulate the purpose" of the church.

In the afternoon service, founding pastor David Poteet

See Bridgeview, 11A

The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit 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.

2013 Appointments

Oklahoma Annual Conference

Boldface words signify new clergy assignments and parish changes implemented in June 2013.

ARDMORE DISTRICT

Greg Tener, District Superintendent

Ada, Asbury.....................................Temple Diehl Ada, First......................................... David Daniel

Associate..................................... Jana Hogg Allen..........................................Robert Langston Ardmore Churches:

Asbury...................................................... ..TBS First.................................. Jessica Moffatt Seay

Associate......................................... Tony Caro Warren Memorial..... Samuell-SamPaul Fields II Calera.........................................Jennifer Kellogg Colbert........................................Randa Norman Courtney......................................Carolyn Higdon Davis............................................. David Jenkins Durant............................................... John Breon Elmore City.......................................... Brad Dery Fitzhugh........................................David Shahan Gene Autry..................................Milton Murphy Gerty............................................................ TBS Healdton...........................................Jeffrey Hiller Kingston/Ardmore District Redemption............... .....................................................Paul McDowell Konawa..................................... Kristiane Smith Lighthouse......................................Terry Thomas Lindsay..................................................Ron King Lone Grove...................................... Harold Hunt Madill........................................ Brett Thomasson Mannsville................................... Frank Simpson Marietta/Thackerville................... Francis Bartley Maysville........................................Mike Deviney Mill Creek..........................................Betty Stone Paoli.................................... Kay Karen Kennedy Pauls Valley.................................... Mark Watson Pontotoc......................................... Duane Baker Ringling............................................ Alex Costea Springer......................................... Pearl Broome Stratford..........................................Lois Bartley Sulphur..............................................P.J. Stewart Tishomingo................................... Will Pasieczny Wanette....................................... Caroline Lovett Whitebead...................................... Dennis Yates Wilson........................................Sherry Kendrick Wynnewood.................................Roland Barrick

BARTLESVILLE DISTRICT

George Warren, District Superintendent

Avant............................................ Earleen Reedy Barnsdall........................................ Paul Overholt Bartlesville Churches:

East Cross..................................Jeffrey Burress Associate................................... Chad Perceful First...................................................Kevin Tully Associate................................... Tari Carbaugh Grace Epworth................................ Sharon Ball Oak Park........................................Linda Lusnia Big Cabin......................................... Donald Scott Chelsea, Memorial....................... David Sanders Claremore, First............................. Ray Crawford Associate...............................Janelle Brammer Cleora.......................................... Stephen Nation Collinsville, Meadowcreek..............Brian Mangan Copan............................................................ TBS Delaware/Chelsea, Epworth................Darrel Cox Dewey.............................................Dale Durnell Fairland.............................Shannon Rodenberg Foyil................................................Alan McIntyre Grove............................................Randall Hamill Jay.................................................... Julie Dowler Ketchum.....................................Dianna Bradford Miami............................................ David Wheeler Nowata......................................... Cheryl Newton Ochelata...........................................Ted Hoffman Oologah.........................................Craig Denslow Otterbein.....................................James Bradford Owasso........................................Charles Horton Associate.....................................Taud Boatman Pawhuska.........................................Kathy Morris Quapaw....................................... Furan Jackson Shidler/Foraker/Grainola................ Jerry Coldren Skiatook...................................... Susan Whitley South Coffeyville/Lenapah............... Darryl Owen Spavinaw/Salina..................................Lora Stiles Sycamore Chapel/Wyandotte..... Jonathan Bates Vinita................................................ Sonja Tobey Welch......................................Robert Van House

CLINTON DISTRICT

Charles E. Graves, District Superintendent

Altus, First....................................... David Player Altus, Grace/Blair............................. Bruce Davis Altus, Highland Heights/Duke......Micah Welcher Arapaho.....................................Dean Brookshier Calumet/Red Rock........................ Tiffany Nagel Canute........................................... Timothy Israel Carter........................................................... TBS Chapel Hill......................... Wendi Jencks-Wilson Cheyenne..................................................... TBS Clinton....................................Roland Youngberg Cordell...................................Amanda Lockwood Custer City/Independence........... Gregory Keith Eakly/Alfalfa..................................... Virgil Payne Eldorado..........................................Bobby Jones Elk City............................................. Terry Koehn

Associate.....................................Devon Krause Elmer/Tipton........................................ R.T. Perry Erick.............................................. Jack Atkinson Fay...................................................Larry Harlan Geary........................................Timothy Ashcraft Hinton............................................ Gary Haynes Granite............................................ Terry Jordan Hobart....................................Brandon Dollarhite Hollis/Gould.................................................. TBS Hydro..................................... Brandon Blacksten Leedey/Hammon............................Chuck Gilbert Lone Wolf..........................................Sue Merritt Lookeba/Bridgeport...................... John Gable Jr. Mangum....................................... Marsha Purtell Sayre.............................................. Margo Vestal Sentinel.....................................Felecia Hensley Thomas....................................................... TBS Watonga......................................Stephen Davis Weatherford.......................................Lynn Brack Willow............................................ Scott Northrip

ENID DISTRICT

Donna Dodson, District Superintendent

Aline/Cleo Springs......................... Rachel Parrott Billings.................................................Ruth Tipps Blackwell........................................... Pam Cottrill Braman.............................................C. M. Wilson Canton...........................................Kristen Melton Carmen/Dacoma...............................John Bizzell Cherokee........................................ Robert Duran Enid Churches:

Bethany.......................................Kimberly Giles Christ...........................................Kim Domnick First...........................................Randy Mitchell

Associate..................................Susan Southall Peace Korean...........................Heung Sun Lee New Hope.......................Sheila Combs-Francis Willow View..............................Lesly Broadbent Associate................................. James Lambert Fairview.....................................Richert Redinger Garber/Hunter....................................Linda Pope Helena......................................... Joel Thompson Hennessey.......................................... James Hill Hitchcock.......................................James Farmer Jefferson/Kremlin..................Michelle McCarty Jet/Prairie Valley................................... Mary Irby Kingfisher...............................Patrick McPherson Lamont.............................................. Alan Nagel Loyal.................................................. Robert Barr Lucien/Covington.........................Ruth Atterberry Marland......................................................... TBS Medford........................................ Linda Grounds Nardin.............................................Donald Jones Newkirk........................................... Bryan Tener Okeene......................................Robert Harrison Pond Creek..................................George Lupton Prairie Chapel............................Sharon Cochran Ringwood......................................... Terrill Parvin Tonkawa..........................................Janice Sharp Wakita/Manchester..................... Lisa Anderson Waukomis/Drummond.................... Garry Vincent

LAWTON DISTRICT

Chris Tiger, District Superintendent

Anadarko-First/Verden..................David Gardner Anadarko-St. Paul......................... Horace Martin Apache........................................... Chris Stinnett Bethel/Hulen.................................. Michael Wood Cache...................................... Michael Winchell Carnegie/Mountain View.................. John Marks

Associate............................... Susan Marks Cyril/Cement................................. Rick Endicott Duncan Churches::

First....................................................Greg Tolle St. Paul's....................................Daniel Fletcher Stephens........................................ Mikel Araujo Wesley/Velma........................... Kevin McKinley Elgin.................................................Coy Reemer Fletcher...............................................Lory Fahle Fort Cobb/Highland.......................... Nathan Mills Frederick.......................................... Travis Muse Gracemont................................. Adonna Bridges Grandfield/Randlett................ Sandra Shepherd Lawton Churches:: Centenary....................... Norma Gravely-Quinn Associate.................................Anthony Clyde First...................................................Alton Potts Lawton Heights........................ Darrell Maddox New Light................................... Kiyoung Jeong St. Paul's....................................... Lisa Beavers Wesley Chapel................................. Ken Baden Manitou............................................ David Jones Marlow.......................................Matthew Scraper Ryan.......................................... Edwin Harwood Snyder/Indiahoma............................... Jim Perkin Sterling/Rush Springs...................... Michael Dye Temple/Comanche/Lawton-Aldersgate..................... ....................................................C.R. Rick Forthman Walters.........................................Steve Harshaw Waurika............................................Karen Slater

McALESTER DISTRICT

Darrell Cates, District Superintendent

Alderson....................................................... TBS Antlers................................................ Phil Beatty Atoka/New Zion.............................Daniel Ramey Boswell/Soper.......................R. Michael Wood Broken Bow/Eagletown................. David Gordon Calvin........................................................... TBS Coalgate/Clarita............................... Lyle Shipley Edgewood/Dow................................ David Monk Eufaula..................................... Michael Brannon Heavener/Hodgen.................. James Cinocca Jr. Heavener Hispanic Fellowship............Obed Alba Henryetta............................................Kyle Kiner Holdenville.....................................Charles Rettig Howe............................................. Keith Thomas Hugo, First/Hugo, Wesley................ Phil Hodson Hugo, Paul's Chapel/Ft. Towson....Michael Frazier Idabel............................................. David Mercer Kiowa/Pittsburg................................. Dan Denny Krebs-Grace................................................ TBS McAlester-First.................................Charles Neff

Associate...................................... Chris Symes McCurtain/Keota.............................Mike Morgan Poteau................................................. Kyle Clark Quinton/Canadian.......................... Sherry Heath Redland/Pleasant Hill.................. Timothy Trujillo Rocky Point............................... Joseph Cochran Seminole........................................ Gary Wilburn Stigler..............................................Larry Gaston Stuart............................................................ TBS Talihina......................................................... TBS Tuskahoma..................................Alan Lumpkins Valliant/Wright City.......................Belenda Terry Weleetka.................................... Marsha Salazar Wetumka............................................Tom Logan Wewoka, First/Bowlegs..................... Susan Rice Wilburton..........................................April Coates Wister........................................................... TBS

MUSKOGEE DISTRICT

Emery Mason, District Superintendent

Adair................................................ Dylan Ward Beggs/Schulter.......................... Richard Brasher Bethel/Westville............................. Dan Eischen Bokoshe.........................................Bennie Waller Braggs/Woodall..............................Cher Devore Checotah........................................ Wayne Loftin

Associate.......................................... John Hart Chouteau....................................William Buttram Cookson.................................... Rudolph Freese Coweta......................................................... TBS Ft. Gibson........................................Barry Collins Gore/Warner................Christopher "Craig" Clark Haskell/Porter.................................. Paul Vickery Hulbert...........................................John Crogan Inola...................................... Michael Shepherd Locust Grove................................... Cydni Tillery Morris............................................. Judy Conner Mounds................................ Marcia Shoemaker Muldrow & Roland-Trinity................. Aaron Tiger Muskogee Churches:

First............................................... Jack Kemper Spencer/Wesley........................ Michael Enright St. Paul......................................... Mark Jardine Associate...................................Gregory Boyd Trinity..................................... Thomas Corrigan Okay..................................... Stephanie Crogan Okmulgee................................... Brian Matthews Oktaha.................................................. Terry Fox Pocola............................................... Nikki Carter Pryor....................................... Richard Robart II Sallisaw.......................................... Trevor Smith Spiro/Cameron ................................ Kim Hutson Stilwell............................................ Rose LeRoy Tahlequah............................... James Graham III Vian................................................ Marcia Martin Wagoner........................................Jim Hollifield

OKC NORTH DISTRICT

Rockford Johnson, District Superintendent

Cashion............................. Glenda Skinner-Noble Choctaw............................................ Andy James Crescent................................... Patience Mutiso Crescent, Mount Vernon...........Cecelia Brooks Edmond:

Acts 2...............................................Mark Foster Associate................................Charla Gwartney Church Planter, Connect................Adam Ricks

Chinese International UMC........Puong Ong Lau First................................................. Bertha Potts Associate........................................ Don Vaught New Covenant.................................. Adrian Cole Associate................................Christy Germany El Reno, Ellison Ave......................Charles Broam El Reno, Wesley..............................Barry Bennett Guthrie, First................................... Mike DeMoss Guthrie, West......................................John Punni Harrah................................................Randy Little Jones................................................. Robert Foos Luther/Nicoma Park................... David Cressman Mount Zion..................................... Lamarla Cook Piedmont......................................Samuel Powers Spencer...................................Jack Terrell-Wilkes Yukon, First.................................... Robert Younts

Associate................................... Kristi Swink Yukon, Good Shepherd................ Michael Burkett

Associate.....................................Charlotte Teel Oklahoma City Churches: Chapel Hill.......................................Robert Rose

Associate.............................Nancy McCullough Associate..................................... Stephen Hale Associate...................................Kristopher Tate Diaconal..................................... Suzann Wade Church Planter, Summit...................Allen Buck Church of the Servant.................. Robert Gorrell Associate........................................ Tim Travers Associate.................................Randy Shrauner Associate.................................Jeremy Sanders Associate................................ Matthew Judkins Associate......................................... Curtis Nigh Associate.....................................Robyn Goggs

Cornerstone...................................Steve Brant Associate....................................Diana Pruitt

Crown Heights.............................. Dianne Peters Douglas Boulevard...................... Jeannie Himes Grace............................................. Ed Coy Light Lakeside.......................................Mark Rickman Leland Clegg.....................................Marla Lobo Mayfair Heights.......................... Marvin Nelson

Associate....................................Jeff Mildren New Hope........................................... J.D. Ward

Associate..........................................Cali Eck Nichols Hills.................................Randy Scraper Associate....................................... Andy Nelms Putnam City..................................Robert Kanary Quail Springs................................. David Clewell Quayle....................................Victor McCullough Associate.....................................Erica Thomas St. Mark's.................................. Keith Cressman

Associate............................Patricia Johnson St. Matthew.................................... Ron Perceful Associate............................... Wendee Perceful Village................................................Rik Marion Wesley......................................Marvin Hudson Wickline............................................ Eric Snyder Associate................................. Nancy Hamilton

OKC SOUTH DISTRICT

Frankye A. Johnson, District Superintendent

Alex/Ninnekah..................................... Sue Lykins Blanchard....................................... Travis Hopper Chickasha, Epworth.......................Scott Keneda Franklin.......................................... Gerry Rhodes Lexington.............................................. Ted Uhlig Minco/Friendship.............................. Vera Walton Moore, First....................................Robert Harris

Associate...................................... Adam Shahan Associate, CrossTimbers.............. Chris Dodson Moore, New Life............................... Kathy Brown Mustang............................................ Larry Holder Newcastle............................................Paul Calkin Noble............................................ Patricia Harris Norman Churches:: Bridgeview..................................... Sheri Lashley Goodrich........................................Jim Shepherd McFarlin......................................... Linda Harker

Associate .................................. Randall Wade Associate.............................Matthew Franks Associate..........................Harriett Leigh Kemp St. Stephen's..................................Amy Venable Associate.......................Jeni Markham Clewell Pocasset........................................................TBS Purcell, Bowman Chapel..................... Cleo Bryan Purcell, Trinity............................... Marvin Stuckey Shawnee Churches: Bethel............................................... Chris Talley St. Mark's......................... Stephanie Stephens Trinity................................................ David Rose St. Paul's.................................... Perry Williams Wesley........................................... Ben Williams Tecumseh............................. Josh Langille-Hoppe Tuttle..........................................................Ed Cook Union City/Cogar.............................George Rowe Washington.................................. Ernest Jackson Wayne.......................................... Brian Anderson Wheatland.............................................Tara Foos

Oklahoma City Churches:

First.............................................. Mark McAdow Korean, First....................................Joon No Um St. Andrew's................................... D.A. Bennett

Associate................................... David Johnson Southern Hills.............................. Connie Gibson Sunny Lane.................................. Larry Bauman

Associate.................................. Ulrik Peterson Oklahoma City Cooperative Urban Parish: Capitol Hill........................................ Bob Brooke

Christ...........................................Semaj Vanzant Associate........................................ Linda Truitt

Clark....................................................Estell Ray Epworth.................................Deborah Ingraham Lambuth..................................... Larry Jacobson Linwood............................................Dean Taylor Penn Ave/Redemption............... Adam Leathers St. John's................................ Murray Crookes St. Luke's........................................ Robert Long

Associate................................. Wendy Lambert Associate.................................. Phil Greenwald Associate.......................................... Keith King Associate........................................ Wendi Neal Associate................................. Andrew Haynes Associate................................... David Poteet Associate...............................Dawn Richards Selecman.................................... Richard Ehlers South Lee.................................... Bennie Warner

STILLWATER DISTRICT

Patricia Malloy, District Superintendent

Blackburn/Maramec..............................Jeff Kuhn Bristow. ......................................................... TBS Chandler/ Agra........................ C. Allen Carson Cleveland/Hominy.......................... David Mingus Cushing.........................................Kathy Leithner Dale............................................... Russell Currie Depew............................................ Cheryl Peters Drumright....................................... Norman Bolin Eden Chapel........................................ John Curtis Fairfax........................................................... TBS Glencoe........................................ Ralph Wangler Kaw City....................................... Lindee DeRoin Kellyville....................................... Dick Woodford Lost Creek............................................Max Rudd Mannford........................................David Rowley McLoud........................................... Charles King Meeker............................................... Carla Hale Morrison/Ripley............................. Arron Grantz Mulhall/Orlando............................. Adrian Pollard Okemah, St. Paul's............................ Valerie Steele Pawnee/Skedee................................Susan Ross Perkins...............................................Kip Heatley Perry...........................................Michael Strange Ponca City Churches: Albright........................................ Scott Spencer Asbury....................................... Matt Thompson

First............................................. Michael Smith St. Paul's............................William Doyle Sharp Prague/Arlington..........................Derrek Belase

Prague Associate....................Sharon Capron Sapulpa.................................. G. Allen Schneider Stillwater Churches:

First........................................... Michael Chaffin Associate..................................Kyle Anderson

Highland Park.............................. James Jones Stroud..................................Ashley Green-Young Wellston.......................................... James Riggs Yale..............................................Richard Ayers

TULSA DISTRICT

Dan Peil, District Superintendent

Bixby................................................Dan Pulver Associate....................................................TBS Broken Arrow Churches: Abiding Harvest................. Christopher Buskirk First............................................... Larry Varvel

Associate..................................... James Hunt Heritage......................................Scott Rodgers St. Stephen's............................ Kirtley Moelling Catoosa-Disciple..............................Kurt Glassco Claremore-St. Andrew's......... J. Stephen Posey Jenks............................................. David Karges Leonard....................................... Kenneth Smith Sand Springs............................ Donald Tabberer Turley........................................ Kristi Simpson Verdigris.........................................Mark Whitley

Tulsa Churches:

Aldersgate.............................R. Wayne Hayes Asbury.............................. Thomas Harrison Jr.

Associate.................................... Guy Ames III Associate...................................Richard Read Associate......................Gloria McGee-Denton Associate..............................Todd Miller Craig Associate............................. Charles Ryser Jr. Associate...........................James Lenderman Boston Avenue............................ David Wiggs Associate.......................William Tankersley III Associate................................ William Crowell Associate......................... EvaMarie Campbell Associate.......................... Mary Ann Emmons Associate........................................ Paul Staat Centenary....................................Keith McArtor Christ............................................. Robert Feist Associate.....................................Mark Polson Associate............................. James Stilwell Jr. Epworth...................................... Richard Bland Faith................................... Bradley Humphrey Associate................................... Katherine Hill Associate................................... Erma Pregler

First..............................................Wade Paschal Associate........................... Thomas Hoffmann Associate.......................... Connie Cole Jeske Associate......................................Peter White Associate...............................Harold Hamilton

Grace......................................Richard McIlnay Harrison.......................................Dolores Willis Korean......................................... Tae Won Son Lake................................................... Roy Betz Living Water........................... Heather Scherer Memorial Drive............... Sharon Fletcher-Taylor New Haven.................................Cynthia Havlik

Associate............................... Suzanne Davis Nueva Esperanza..............................................

................................... Daniel Llanos-Jimenez Rose Hill.....................................Antonio Porter St. James......................................Gary Harber

Associate....................................Josue Araujo St. Luke's Fellowship/Redemption II.................

................................................ Brantley Tillery St. Mark's.....................................Barry Hayes St. Matthew's............... Michael Fletcher-Taylor St. Paul's.................................... Twila Gibbens

Associate............................Michelle Daigle Sheridan Avenue.........................Joseph Lynch Southern Hills/Trinity............... Tom McElroy University............................ M. Nathan Mattox Wesley........................................ David Fields West Tulsa.............................. William Welch II Will Rogers.................................. Robert Johns

WOODWARD DISTRICT

David Burris, District Superintendent

Alva, First.................................. Terry Martindale Arnett............................................. Rusty Husted Beaver............................................L. Don Griffin Boise City/Kenton.................. Cynthia Robertson Buffalo/Fort Supply.......................... Phillip Davis Capron..............................................Clark Struebing Fairview/Catesby..........................Mike Mahaffey Fargo/Gage......................................Jeff Ralson Felt................................................Royce Bursch Forgan/Gate......................... Jane Ellen Dibden Goodwell, Centenary.......... Anna Marie George Guymon, Victory Memorial............... Gary Holdeman

Associate................................... Tino Espinoza Hardesty...............................................Max Whipple Hooker/Tyrone..........................Lester Bussell Jr. Keyes/Marella.................................Dwight Odell Laverne/Rosston............................Roger Parker Mooreland.................................. Larry Masoner Morning Star...................................Jacki Banks Quinlan/Freedom................................... Scott Ware Seiling...........................................Paul Hamilton Sharon/Mutual......................................Deb Kerr Shattuck.......................................Rick Trobaugh Texhoma....................................... Steven Roach Turpin/Baker.................................Todd Bergman Union Center.......................... Herb Bridgewater Vici/Lenora.................................... Don Whitman Vida en Abundancia, Laverne................................ ...............................................................Jose Estrada Waynoka/Cheyenne Valley................................. ...................................................... Barbara Fyffe Woodward Churches:

Faith................................... Charles Baumann First......................................... Shannon Davis New Horizon....................................Becky Pierson

EXTENSION

MINISTRIES

Campus Ministers: East Central State University........ Jana Hogg Southeastern Oklahoma State University........ .........................................................Tim Ford SWOSU......................Elizabeth Horton-Ware Cameron, Co-Directors..... Montie & Galeda Jones EOSC..........................................April Coates Langston................................Cecelia Brooks OPSU.............................Anna Marie George OSU ......................................Michael Bartley OU........................................Daniel Dennison UCO.................................Gerard Nsabimana University of Tulsa.............Charles Spears Jr.

Chaplains: Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Tulsa.... .................................................Tracy Schumpert Good Shepherd Hospice, OKC......John Gober Hometown Hospice, Muskogee..Cynthia Culver Horizon Communities In Prisons, Pontotoc.... ....................................................Duane Baker Mercy Health Center, Pastoral Care Dept., OKC ......................................................Beverly Powell Pauls Valley General Hospital....................... .................................... Perla Martinez-Goody U.S. Air Force.............................. Sam Tucker U.S. Air Force.......................... James Parrish U.S. Air Force............................... Martin Barnes Epworth Villa, OKC........................Lisa Crone Oklahoma Methodist Manor, Tulsa................... ...............................................Warren Ambrose III The Commons, Enid.................Gail Edmison

Church World Service..............Rebekah Belase Circle of Care Director of Residential Services.. ......................................................Mark Howard

Conference Ministry Center: Assistant to Bishop/Director of Communications ........................................................Joseph Harris Camps Director...........................Randy McGuire Congregational/Clergy Development Director ..................................................Charles Nordean Connectional Ministries Director.....Craig Stinson CJAMM........................................Adam Leathers Director of Discipleship with Small Membership Churches....................................Diana Northcutt Office of Mission Director..............Jeremy Basset Office of Mission, GBGM Coordinator for Hispanic/Latino Ministry..............Carlos Ramirez Treasurer......................................Brian Bakeman VIM Coordinator of Disaster Response & Domestic Missions..................Richard Norman

Counselors: Catalyst Behavioral Services.........Dane Lemmons Center for Psychotherapy, Education & Spiritual Growth, OKC..........................................Curtis Nigh Pastoral Counseling of Norman............................. ..................................................Jo Beth Kee-Rees

GBGM Missionary, Liaison to Sabeel, Jerusalem...................................Kristen Brown

GBGM Missionary, OU Chinese Fellowship....... ..........................................................Fuxia Wang GBGM Missionary, Philippines............................. .................................................Marsha Alexander GBGM Mission Interpreter in Residence, Western Jurisdiction.......................Glenn Rowley GBOD, The Upper Room...............Thomas Albin Mission Border Hope/First UMC, Eagle Pass, Texas .................................................Becky Baxter-Ballou Oklahoma-Bolivia Partnership, OK VIM Liaison....... ......................................................David Stephenson

Oklahoma City University: Assistant Professor of Religious Education.... ........................................................Leslie Long Chaplain................................Rodney Newman College of Arts & Sciences Dean...................... .......................................................Mark Davies Director of Religious Life................................. ..............................................Jennifer J. Long Vice President of University-Church Relations .................................................... Margaret Ball Wimberly School of Religion Director............... .............................................Sharon Betsworth

Oklahoma Methodist Manor, Executive Director..... ...........................................................Steven Dickie Restore Hope Ministries Executive Director.............. ............................................................Jeffry Jaynes Saint Paul School of Theology Dean at OCU......... .......................................................Elaine Robinson Seattle Pacific University School of Theology.......... ............................................................Kevin Watson Skyline Urban Ministry Executive Director............... ......................................................Claudia Lovelace Skyline Urban Ministry Associate............................ ........................................................Rebecca Morton The Education and Employment Ministries............. (TEEM).....................................................Tony Zahn UMCOR National Consultant............Mary Gaudreau Wesley Theological Seminary........Carol Cook Moore

Deaconesses: OKC-St. John's..................................Elaine Parrent Turtle Rock Farm.....................................Pat Hoerth

Page 4A

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 7, 2013

3 districts receive new superintendents

Three pastors begin service in June as district superintendents, appointed by Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. On this page, each shares a personal story.

n Charlie Graves will lead Clinton District. Since 2008, he has been pastor at Woodward-First UMC, where he was appointed after 15 years at Frederick UMC. He was ordained in 1983.

n Rockford Johnson will lead North OKC District. He has led ChickashaEpworth since 2007. He was welcomed into the Oklahoma Conference in 1995.

n Tish Malloy will lead Stillwater District. Since 2006, she has been senior pastor at Moore-First. She is a past director of Volunteers In Mission.

By CHARLIE GRAVES

The phone call came on Ash Wednesday. Bishop Hayes wanted my wife, Karen, and me to consider appointment to the

Clinton District Superintendency. "Being a D.S. has probably not been on

your radar, has it?" he asked. "No, it hasn't," I answered. I can think

of many other pastors who, I feel, would be

better district superintendents. A lot of selfdoubt, even fear, suddenly filled me.

Yet I have always trusted that God is involved in the appointing process.

The past 32 years have confirmed that for me. The churches at Helena, Okeene, Fred-

erick, and Woodward-

First have all been

used of God to grow

me as a Christian. I

found each church

had wonderful, loving,

supportive people who

loved Jesus as I did.

Each church in its turn

Graves

helped me become a better pastor. I will always

be grateful for their roles in my life and that

of my family.

Thus I believe God will continue to grow

me in this new appointment as well. My

personal faith in Jesus Christ is an ongoing journey.

I was raised by Christian parents. I've always gone to Sunday School classes and worship services. My home church in Wakita and a Lay Witness Mission in 1971 really cemented my faith in Christ. However, I had no intention at the time of going into the ordained ministry. All I knew was that I loved Jesus and wanted to learn more about Him.

I graduated with a major in Bible from a Presbyterian college in Sterling, Kan. My thirst for God was not satisfied, so I went on to Asbury Theological Seminary. I simply wanted to learn more about God.

There at Asbury I also met the woman

who became my wife. The child of a United Methodist missionary couple, Karen grew up in the Philippines.

After seminary, I still did not know where

God was leading, but a door opened for me to pastor a local church, so Karen and I went

to Helena UMC. That's how it's been for me in my journey

with Jesus. I do today what I sense is God's will and

leave tomorrow in God's hands. Thus, my wife and I said yes to Bishop Hayes, and we are looking forward to this new adventure in ministry.

By TISH MALLOY

Who knew that growing up as one of five children in a Catholic family in Boston, Mass., would serve to prepare me for ordained ministry in The United Methodist

Church in Oklahoma? God knew. And who knew that moving to Florida

as a teenager and working at United Methodist camps every summer, from age 16 to 22, would develop in me a realization that people bring to every table who they are and who they are becoming -- especially to the Lord's table?

God knew. Who knew that my first experience of being called a Yankee -- and realizing the person

calling me that name

was not referring to a

team from New York

-- would open my

eyes, my ears, and my

heart to people who

suffer the injustice of

all kinds of categori-

zations except "child

Malloy

of God"? And who knew I would

be compelled to answer a

call to serve a Church yearning to truly have

"open hearts, open minds, and open doors" to

all of God's children?

God knew.

In my childhood home, one thing was

absolutely clear. We didn't have to like each other all the time, but we did have to love each other all the time. My parents taught that if we harmed anyone in our family, the whole

family suffered. I believe the same is true of God's Church.

In my family, whenever any children squabbled, my father lined up all five, from smallest to tallest. Then he asked each child to look at the person beside him or her and tell

my father who that person was. Of course, the only acceptable answers were "my brother" and "my sister."

As a pastor, there have been times I wanted to do that very same thing in a church meeting, hallway, or parking lot -- to help those in the church remember who we are to each other.

Over the years, my family memories also have helped me reflect on my own behavior toward others.

I hope, as a pastor and a parent, that I've shared my parents' teaching well.

Since my ordination I've been blessed to serve in pastoral leadership at Broadway UMC in Kansas City, Mo.; and in Oklahoma at Heavener-First, OKC-Village, and MooreFirst. I've served as director of Oklahoma Volunteers In Mission. Now I look forward to ministering alongside the clergy and laity of the Stillwater District and the Cabinet of the Oklahoma Conference.

God knows what's next, and I know that God goes with me. I'm looking forward to looking back.

By ROCKFORD JOHNSON

I have floated the Rio Grande, the White River in Arkansas, the Illinois in Oklahoma. I once owned a canoe. Such winding rivers provide an apt metaphor for my life's unfolding adventure. In his poem "Fluent," Irish poet and theologian John O'Donovan voices a yearning to live life like a river, "carried by the surprise/of its own unfolding." Carried along by the surprising grace of God, employing our gifts and skills in navigating and propelling, we do not fully know what is around the next bend. We do know that God is always and effectively with us. I was raised in a small Oklahoma town that had no Methodist or Baptist congregation! I had grandparents in each of two Mennonite churches. I was raised and experienced God's Christ-centered saving grace in a quasi-independent church of mostly

Mennonite people, then sojourned among

those in another de-

nomination.

Then I chose the

United Methodist

tributary and found

a theological home

and welcoming place

of service. As Bishop

Hayes likes to say, "I

Johnson

got here as fast as I could."

Shortly after en-

tering the Oklahoma Conference, I attended

Local Pastors Licensing School. While wor-

shipping in the chapel of OKC-Wesley UMC,

my mind and heart were "strangely warmed"

by the Spirit as I participated in a reaffirma-

tion of baptism. It was for me a confirming

experience of God's unfolding guidance.

A few years later, at Tulsa-Boston Avenue

UMC, I knelt at the altar during Annual Con-

ference for Recognition of Orders. The Love Divine among us humbled me and caused a swell of deep gratitude for this connectional journey of ministry in which we advance the mission of God in Christ, reconciling the world.

Life's river first carried me into pastoral ministry at Gober, Texas -- a village of 17 houses, four churches, an ancient gas station, the officially smallest post office in that big state, and a mostly retired cotton gin. The church was filled with 35 faithful friends and plenty of joy.

Subsequently, I have served and been blessed and shaped by faith communities in

Duncan, Lone Wolf and Blair, Tulsa, Shawnee, and Chickasha.

Early and along the way I've encountered the Spirit's influence through persons and experiences. One grandmother modeled piety, purity, and compassion; the other: education,

music, culture, and community. Dad was a lay preacher and teacher, took me with him to county jail ministry, and often witnessed to

God's liberating work. Mom taught Sunday School and taught us to laugh. At church camp I experienced a call to ministry with confirmation of faith and promised to employ whatever gifts I had for the mission of Christ.

Through education and ministry, professors and pastors, that sense of a call has

matured and deepened. It has led me to fresh understandings

and a continuing desire to experience and express the rich import and interplay of God's magnanimous, holy grace and our faithful responsibility.

I am surprised, humbled, grateful, eager, and desirous of your prayers as the current

of grace carries me into ministry with the mission, laity, and clergy of North Oklahoma City District.

The Oklahoma United Methodist

1501 N.W. 24th Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Phone: 405-530-2075 Fax: 405-530-2093

For subscription information,

Robert E. Hayes Jr., bishop Joseph Harris, director of communications Holly McCray, editor

Nyla Wallin, administrative assistant/video coordinator Alicia Galyon, Web ministry/graphics design Amelia Ballew, The Media Library

contact 405-530-2075 or aballew@. Moving? Send change by mail or e-mail: aballew@.

Sign up for Contact Digest, a free electronic newsletter, at . Send news to editor@.

Oklahoma United Methodist Communications

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST CONTACT

5A

The Cooperative School of Christian Mission is now ...

Spiritual Growth Study

The Call: Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly

Geographic Study

The Roma of Europe

Special Interest Study

Poverty

Learning Together for the Transformation of the World

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake ravaged the country of Haiti on January 12, 2010. By the next summer, participants in School of Christian Mission all over the United States were studying about this event as well as the history and political environment of this country.

Last year, as immigration was commanding much of the evening news and political discourse in our nation, a new study "Immigration in the Bible" made its debut as a spiritual growth study.

This year, studies focus on living a sacramental life, poverty and the Roma people of Europe.

"As always, United Methodist Women and the School of Mission are on the forefront of the major issues of society," said Jane Bond, dean of the Oklahoma's Mission u, formerly the Cooperative School of Christian Mission.

According to the United Methodist Women, Inc., Schools of Christian Mission began in the mid-1930s sponsored first by the Woman's Home Missionary Society. Every year more than 20,000 people participate in the Schools of Christian Mission.

"Schools of Christian Mission are historic to United Methodist Women and predecessor organizations," said Cheryl Trent, director of mission education and enrichment at United Methodist Women, Inc.

At these yearly events, participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. In Oklahoma, the school is called a "cooperative school" as it is cosponsored by the conference United Methodist Women and the Mission and Service Ministry Team of the annual conference.

Lives Changed In 2011, two things happened in Rileigh Sloup's life which changed her outlook forever--she participated in the Cooperative School of Christian Mission and studied Mike Slaughter's "Change the World" through her church, Village UMC. She was so moved after studying Haiti during the summer school that she went on a mission trip to the country. Now, she is considering the mission field as a career. Experienced instructors with the ability to make the study come alive was an important part of Sloup's experience. Her study leader, Rev. Jim Jones had been to Haiti on an exploratory trip before teaching. Since then, he has also led teams to Haiti. A friend from Village UMC immediately signed up to go to Haiti, but it was a few weeks later before Rileigh finally decided to go. She

Worship and mission projects are an important part of the Mission u experience.

was in her car listening to a popular song by Josh Wilson called, "I Refuse."

"It was listening to that song that I realized I had to go on this trip. My family knew the day I got home from the School of Mission that I would be going to Haiti ... it just took me a little longer to realize it! I was scared my family wouldn't be supportive because of all the things we have heard about Haiti, all of which are completely untrue, but they were all very, very supportive."

Who should attend? While the United Methodist Women have a primary role in sponsoring the school, it is not an event exclusively for women. Many men participate in the school as well. One long-time participant is Warren Neff of Bartlesville. Originally he came with his wife, but was recently elected to the planning team which coordinates the school. "My fellow male colleges and I were treated like all of the other participants. Our ideas and inputs were always welcome," said Neff. "We were never left out of any of the activities and always felt the love of Christ," He is former district president of the Bartlesville District United Methodist Men's organization and current conference UMM vice president. There are special classes for youth and children. A Spanish-language class is also offered. Rev. Carlos Ramirez will teach that course this year. Scholarships are available for children, youth

and those who are attending the school for the first time.

Full participation in the weekend session of the school will count as an advanced lay speaker training course. Pastors can receive continuing education units as well.

"Young adults should attend because it really opens peoples' eyes about what is going on in the world and how we could make a difference. If more kids my age would attend (the school) and have the same reaction I did, we definitely could make a huge difference in our world," said Sloup.

New Name--Same Mission She is not the only one aware of the need to reach younger generations through this vital program. This year, a new name and focus will help attract a new demographic. Playing on popular text message language, the School of Christian Mission are now called "Mission u: Learning Together for the Transformation of the World." The "u" represents both the idea of a university as well as texting language for "you." According to Ms. Trent, "the term `school' is a deterrent to participation" for some. The name "Mission u" keeps the identity with mission and reflects the personal learning experience. "Although the name will change, lifechanging mission education will continue," concluded Trent. The pages which follow contain all the information you will need to prepare and enroll to take part in this year's exciting event.

6A

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST CONTACT

Important Info

Dates:

Weekend: Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21 (registration begins at 4 p.m.; school begins with supper at 5 p.m.)

One Day Plus: Sunday, July 21 and Monday, July 22 (registration begins at 4 p.m.; school begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Location:

Oklahoma City University

Leadership Team:

? Dean--Jane Bond; bondj1117@ ; 918-456-3667

? Assistant Dean--Rev. Derrek Belase; derrekbelase@; 405-7141554

? Registrar--Donna Roberts; dklroberts@; 918-625-0560

Website:



School sponsors:

Oklahoma Conference United Methodist Women

Mission and Service Ministry Team, Oklahoma Conference UMC

Continuing Education Units:

? Lay Speakers--participation counts for an advanced course

? Pastor--1 CEU credit is awarded for participation in the weekend school; 0.8 hours awarded for participation in the one day plus school

Mission u Scholarships:

We are happy to announce that scholarships will be available for youth, children and adults with preference to first time attendees.

? 4--Full Scholarships for youth ? 4--Full Scholarships for children ? 4--? Scholarships for adults ? 2--? Scholarships for commuters ? 10--? Scholarships for Hispanic

adults ? 5--Full Scholarships for Hispanic

children ? 5--Full Scholarships for Hispanic

youth--must stay on campus Please contact Donna Roberts-- 918-625-0560--dklroberts@.

Future Mission Studies:

? 2014--How is it with your soul; The Roma of Europe; The Church and People with Disabilities

? 2015--Pursuit of Happiness; Latin America; The Church and People with Disabilities

? 2016--The Bible and Sexuality; Latin America; Climate Justice

A Note from the Dean

The phrase "Mission u" as a replacement for Cooperative School of Christian Mission is growing on me. Change is usually hard, but I am coming around. The letter "u" reminds me that we are involved and learning, much like when we are taking a "u"niversity course in mission. Those who come year after year receive a well rounded education in world affairs and spiritual growth. Those who attend are challenged to go home and share their knowledge and to get involved in hands-on mission. It would be hard to count the ways that participants have made a difference in people's lives as a result of attending "Mission u". Some have gone home to start backpack programs for kids who have little food on the weekend. Some have been challenged to tutor children in after school programs. Some have gotten involved in NSO and Cookson Hills Center. Some have been inspired to take and lead mission trips to far corners of the world. The list goes on and on.

This year we are studying about how we can live sacramentally and how we can discern God's call in our lives. The introduction to the study says this, "We will learn that by living out our calling in a congregational setting, the church can liberate itself from being a mere structure and become a living witness in the world". We will also be studying about the Roma of Europe, one of the world's minorities that have been discriminated against and have been persecuted for many years. For the second year we will also study Poverty. Chapter 1 says "Are we avoiding or encountering the poor? Stories of United Methodist Work with the Poor."

Come be inspired and challenged, come find God's call on your life, and come take the next step in your faith journey at this summer's "Mission u".

Y'all come! Jane Bond Dean

Mission Speaker

This year's mission speaker is Rev. Jeff Jayes, executive director of Restore Hope Ministry in Tulsa. He will be focusing on poverty in Oklahoma and how we might be a part of alleviating it.

Rev. Jaynes was born and raised in the Tulsa area. He and his wife Adriane graduated from high schools in Tulsa and grew up in the United Methodist Church.

Jeff received his Bachelor's Degree in Government and Theology from Georgetown University and his Master's of Divinity from Duke University.

After graduating from Duke, Jeff was appointed to Southern Hills UMC in Tulsa where he served until June, 2011 when he was appointed as the Executive Director of Restore Hope Ministries.

Jeff has a passion for the Tulsa area and its people, especially those who are in need. Before answering the call to ministry, Jeff worked in a variety of public service positions at the local and national levels.

Jeff and Adriane are the proud parents of Benjamin and William.

Mission Offering

Neighborhood Services Organization, Inc. ("NSO")

"Housing + Healthcare = Hope Capital Campaign"

The mission offering will be donated to the Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) capital improvement project. NSO is a national project of United Methodist Women.

Founded as a community center in 1920 in Oklahoma City by Methodist missionary women, NSO today provides valuable faith-based social service programs that primarily focus on housing and healthcare access to more than 72,000 at-risk and lowincome children, adults and seniors, annually. NSO owns and/ or leases nine facilities in metro OKC that include a dental clinic, apartment houses and WIC clinics.

The purpose of the $2.5 million capital campaign is to construct a new and expanded NSO Dental Clinic for uninsured Oklahomans, which also accommodates our Administrative Services offices. The former 1916 structure these services were housed in for many decades was deemed structurally unsafe in 2012 and condemned. The old facility will be razed and our new structure rise in its place.

United Methodists from throughout Oklahoma, as well as corporations, foundations and others have already donated nearly $1.3 million to this campaign. However, there is still much money to be raised to meet the goal, so NSO is still actively seeking contributions.

For more information, see the NSO website--.

Mission Project

This year's mission project is putting together school supply packets. The packets will be donated to Skyline Urban Ministry in Oklahoma City and Restore Hope in Tulsa. Please bring any of the following items with you to Mission u. The packaging of packets will take place on Saturday evening during fellowship time.You will find collection boxes near the registration area.

Blunt Scissors (rounded tip only; no plastic scissors please) Paper (8?" x 11" spiral notebooks or top-bound pads) Hand Held Pencil Sharpener 30 centimeter ruler (hard or flexible)

Pencils (packaged) 2? inch eraser 24 count crayon boxes

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST CONTACT

7A

Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly The Roma of Europe

This year's spiritual growth study is for anyone interested in deepening their spirituality and engagement in mission. The study explores spiritual personhood, which is inseparable from engagement in social action and being in community. It also focuses on spiritual formation and the culture of calling in light of John Wesley's two-fold thrust on "personal holiness" and "spiritual holiness." Finally, participants will receive practical guidance about how to live one's baptism, how to enrich one's prayer life, how to read the Scripture faithfully, and how to pray for Christian conferencing.

Deaconess Pat Hoerth Pat Hoerth is a United

Methodist Deaconess, serving at Turtle Rock Farm: A Center for Spirituality, Sustainability and Healing. There, in north central Oklahoma on a centennial farm on the Great Plains, she leads retreats that help guests connect with creation and learn ways to live more sustainably with the great web of life.

A trained spiritual director, Pat received her training at Red Plains Monastery in Piedmont, OK. She received her MTS and M.Div. from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, OK.,; her BS, in journalism, is from Oklahoma State University. She is an adjunct intstructor at Phillips Theological Seminary, where she teaches courses in spirituality.

Pat writes daily on the Turtle Rock Farm blog: turtlerockfarm.. The website is .

Rev. Jeni Markham Clewell

Rev. Jeni Markham Clewell, an ordained deacon in the Oklahoma Conference, believes God loves us all and will never stop loving us! Among her ministry roles has been free medical clinic facilitator, music minister and children's pastor.

She has served Epworth-OKC, Edmond First,

Cherokee First and, presently, St. Stephen's in Norman. A Tulsa native, she claims to have Methodist blood. The best invitation to Holy Communion she has ever heard, spoken by a devoted lay person--"this bread smells just delicious; I can hardly wait to taste it!"

Rev. Carlos Ramirez-- Spanish language study

Carlos was born in Puebla Mexico, raised Roman Catholic and converted to Methodism during his teenage years. After graduation, he attended law school but decided that was not his calling. After discernment with my family, church and pastor, we concluded that I was called for the ministry. He attended the Methodist Seminary in Mexico City from 2000?2004 while serving two rural churches. In 2003, he began attending workshops at Perkins School of Theology where he met his wife, Wendi Neal. In 2005, he moved to the United States.

He first served the Heavener Hispanic Fellowship ("El Buen Pastor") and Howe UMC (English speaking congregation), as an associate at Elk City UMC and now as the Associate Director of the Office of Mission where he coordinates the Hispanic/Latino Ministry for the Conference. In this position, he serves as the "cultural bridge" for the work the office does as well as developing ties with the rest of ethnic groups in the Oklahoma Conference.

Youth and Children's Studies

The Roma are often called "gypsies" by others. Many people who live in the United States know little or nothing about the Roma. In Europe, and especially in Eastern Europe, it is a different story. The Roma are the single largest minority group in Europe. They deserve our attention. This study will introduce us to the Roma, with an emphasis on Eastern Europe.

Nancy Maples Nancy Maples is a life-

long United Methodist with a passion for music, animals, and UMW. She is the Director of Music Ministry at First United Methodist Church in El Campo, and is the choir accompanist for the El Campo Middle School and High School Choirs. Nancy has a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria.

She has been active in United Methodist Women for over 15 years. She has served as a Conference officer for the SWTX Conference and served four years as District President for the Victoria District. Nancy has lead studies in the conferences of Oklahoma, Central Texas, Northwest Texas, North Texas and Southwest Texas.

Nancy has been married for 29 years to her husband Steve and has two children, Chris (27), who is training to be a paramedic, and Katherine (25) who just earned Master's Degree

in Theological Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.

Rev. Trina Bose North Rev. Trina Bose North

is a lifelong United Methodist, growing up in San Diego First United Methodist Church. She came to Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma City University, as a religion major with a minor in women's studies. Trina went to Candler School of Theology for seminary. Since returning to Oklahoma, she has served two churches (Leonard UMC and Cashion UMC) and worked for the Volunteers in Mission office. Trina was ordained an elder in 2008 and is currently on personal leave.

She is married to Dr. Justin North and the proud mother of two young children, Carter and Maya. This is Trina's fourth time teaching the geography study at the Cooperative School of Christian Mission.

Poverty

Poverty is a human rights issue with a devastating impact on women and children. This study will examine stories of those living in poverty and multiple and diverse examples of encounters between middle-class Christians and the poor. Participants in the study will engage in deepening their understanding of the realities of poverty and will be invited to commit to solidarity with the poor through advocacy and other forms of support.

Weekend school only

Topic--"Migration"

Leaders: Children--Luisa Medina

Youth--Linda Tucker

STUDY RESOURCES

Order online at or call 1-800-305-9857. Books will also be available at each Mission u; however we urge you to read

the book before your class begins! Purchase your study books early and bring your Bible, too. Hint: Read your study book before classes start--you'll enjoy class and not be

stressed to get it read.

Sandy Wilder Sandy Wilder is a

consultant for the Women's Division, coordinating the Major and Planned Giving Program for United Methodist Women.

Sandy has traveled to Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Bolivia, and Peru. She worked with the Methodist Church of Bolivia for two years after her college graduation. For six years she served on the staff of the Women's Division in New York City as the Executive Secretary for Financial Interpretation. For four years she was a Director of the Women's Division and the General Board of Global Ministries. She has taught in many conference and regional Schools of Christian Mission.

For 16 years, Sandy was a volunteer host for the weekly half-hour religious public affairs

television program "Austin Faith Dialogue," which aired on KNVA-TV in collaboration with Austin Area Interreligious Ministries.

Sandy is an active member of First UMC in Austin, where she chairs the Staff-Parish Relations Committee and is a member of the Mission Team and of United Methodist Women. She serves on the Southwest Texas Conference Board of Global Ministries as the Conference Secretary of Global Ministries and on the board of Methodist Healthcare Ministries in San Antonio. She is also Communications Coordinator for the Southwest Texas Conference United Methodist Women. Sandy is immediate past president of the Rotary Club of East Austin and is on the steering committee of her neighborhood association. She has a bachelor's degree in French and Spanish and a master's degree in Foreign Language Education.

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST CONTACT

Oklahoma Conference MISSION u Week-End School Friday?Sunday, July 19?21, 2013 1.5 Day School Sunday Night--Monday, July 21?22, 2013

Studies for 2013--Please mark your 1st and 2nd choice:

Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly_____The Roma of Europe_____Poverty_____

Adult Registration Form:

Name _______________________ Preferred Name _________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________________Zip ________________

E-Mail ____________________________________________________________

Phone________________________________ Cell _________________________

Church ____________________________________________________________

District ____________________________________________________________

Laity_____Clergy_____1st Time Attendee_____Number of years attending _____

Emergency contact___________________Relationship______________________

Please indicate status: Female ______ Male ______Couple _____ CEU_____

(must attend all classes for credit)

Special needs _______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Weekend School: Adult Full package includes Tuition, Housing and Meals Commuter package with meals (not staying on campus) Commuter package without meals

$125.00 95.00 55.00

Meal tickets available for purchase at registration desk

Amount Enclosed

__________

1.5 Day School: Adult Full package includes Tuition, Housing & Meals Commuter Package with lunch (not staying on campus)

$70.00 45.00

Amount Enclosed

Housing will be in 2 & 4 bedroom suites with full size beds.

__________

***

Children's Study--Migration July 19?21, 2013 weekend only.

Children's School is for 1st thru 6th grades--Female ____ Male ___

Name _____________________________________________________________

Relation to child _______________DOB ____/____/_____ Grade/Fall 2013 ______

Address ___________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________________Zip ________________

Child/Full package per child--$85.00 Commuter package w/meals--$45.00 Commuter package without meals--$25.00

Registration to: Donna Roberts, 5357 E 95th St., Tulsa, OK 918.625.0560 l dklroberts@

Deadline for registration July 12, 2013--No refunds after July 12, 2013 Scholarships available with preference to 1st time attendees Study books will be available to purchase at Mission u Dependant care allowance w/ presentation of receipt--$25 per day max Full payment due with registration MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO MISSION U

Oklahoma Conference Mission u Friday?Sunday, July 19?21, 2013 Youth Registration Form (deadline July 12, 2012)

Study: Migration

Name _____________________________________________________________

Preferred Name _____________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________________ Zip ______________

Male______ Female______Date of Birth ___/___/___Grade in Fall 2013_________

Phone________________________ Email _______________________________ Church ___________________________ District __________________________

Emergency contact___________________Relationship______________________

Youth will stay with the Youth Group with appropriate chaperones.

Youth School is available during Weekend School only.

Youth full package includes Tuitions, Housing and Meals

$85.00

Scholarships available with preference to 1st time attendees.

Bring Bible, notebook, pen & pencils, flashlight, casual clothing, jacket or sweater,

swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes, rain apparel, twin-size bed linens, pillows,

blankets, towels & wash cloths, and personal hygiene items. Leave your cell phones

at home--bring an alarm clock !!!

Parent Consent Form (please print) Parents must read and sign the permission slip below!!

First Name ______________________ Last Name__________________________

Parents cell (_____)_________________Parents work (____)__________________

To whom it may concern: The undersigned does hereby give permission for my child _______________________________________________ to attend and participate in activities sponsored by the MISSION u on July 19?21, 2013. We (I) authorize an adult, in whose care the minor has been entrusted, to consent to any x-ray examination, anesthetic, medical, surgical or dental diagnosis or treatment and hospital care, to be rendered to the minor under general or special supervision and on the advise of any physician or dentist licensed under the provision of the Medical Practice Act on the medical staff of a licensed hospital, whether such diagnosis or treatment is rendered at the office of said physician or at said hospital. The undersigned shall be liable and agree (s) to pay all costs and expenses incurred in connection with such medical and dental services rendered to the aforementioned child pursuant to the authorization. Should it be necessary for our (my) child to return home due to medical reasons, or otherwise, the undersigned shall assume all transportation costs. The undersigned does also hereby give permission for our (my) child to ride in any vehicle designated by the adult in whose care the minor has been entrusted while attending and participating in activities sponsored by the MISSION u. I consent to the use of my child's image or voice in photographs, audio and/ or video recordings taken during the course of the event for the purpose of promoting MISSION u.

Insurance: YES ___ NO ___ Insurance Company ____________________________

Policy #____________________________________________________________

Allergies ___________________________________________________________ Youth Participant Signature ____________________________________________

Father's signature____________________________________________________ Mother's signature___________________________________________________

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