'United Methodist of the Year' to Speak In

Contact, an edition of The United Methodist Reporter Two Sections, Section A • 039000 • Volume 159, Number 39 • January 25, 2013 THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

n What's NEXT for campus ministry? 2A www.okumc.org n Basler seeks mercy and justice, 4A ‘United Methodist of the Year’ to speak in OKC On Feb. 28, megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton of Kan- sas will present the 2013 Martha Jean Lemon Special Lec- tures, free to the public, at two locations in Oklahoma City. He will speak at both Oklahoma City University and Church of the Servant. The Lemon Lectures are presented annually by OCU. Rev. Hamilton’s visit is co-sponsored by Saint Paul School of Theology at OCU and Church of the Servant. The UM Reporter recently honored Hamilton as the 2012 United Methodist of the Year. Age 48, he is the founding pastor of UM Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, a Kansas City suburb. The church has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members in 2011, with an average weekly worship attendance above 8,600. Hamilton has written 13 books and several small-group studies. The best-selling author has seen his work published in 18 languages. In 2012, his total book sales topped 1 mil- lion. WE ARE THE CHURCH—The young Wilson cousins hold Dilaney, the newest member of their generation, on Also in 2012, he played a key role in the lead-up to the the day of her baptism at Adair UMC last year. From left are Ella, Natalie, Emily, and Brandt. See page 6A. General Conference. He served as a delegate and primetime speaker there. He’s been a speaker at 26 annual conferences See Hamilton, 3A Lemon Lectures on Feb. 28 Scherer dives into new-church challenge “Living as a Christian Today” by Adam Hamilton n 1 p.m. at the OCU Chapel—Can we agree to disagree? By BILL SHERMAN Discussing sexuality in the church Tulsa World Religion Writer n 4 p.m. at Church of the Servant—When Christians get it wrong In Tulsa, Heather Scherer is becoming the first clergy- n 7 p.m. at Church of the Servant— woman to start a United Methodist church in Oklahoma. Why? Making sense of God’s will n Ticketed dinner, 5:30 p.m., Church of the Servant— The first worship service of Living Water United Method- Question-and-answer time ist Church was held on Christmas Eve, and regular weekly Information: Janet Boone, [email protected], 405-208-5020 services will start in September. Photo by Shannon Blanchard Rev. Scherer said she was “excited and terrified” when Candles glow as Christmas Eve worship Purchase dinner tickets, $10 each, at www.churchoftheservant.com. Bishop Robert Hayes assigned her in June to plant a church Childcare, by reservation only, is limited to preschool-age children and culminates for Living Water, new in Tulsa. younger and is available only for the 4 and 7 p.m. lectures. in the south U.S. 75 corridor, someplace between Tulsa Hills Craig Stinson, director of congregational development for Make reservations through the website. shopping center and Glenpool. the Oklahoma Conference, said effective church planters have It is a high-growth area without a United Methodist church. a heart to reach people and have demonstrated effectiveness An All-State basketball player and All-American high in starting things. jumper from Okmulgee, Scherer had been working full time “She has a plethora of things that she’s created, invented, for years in children’s and youth ministries, most recently at in the business world, in church. That’s what made us think Faith UMC in Tulsa. we’ve got a person with the gift.” She graduated from Phillips Theological Seminary in De- He said gender was not a consideration. cember 2011 and was commissioned an elder in The United Research shows that church planting is the most effective Methodist Church in May. means of evangelism, he said. Her first assignment came as a surprise. “What we find is that a new church is approximately 10 “I had never considered planting a church,” she said. times as effective in reaching new people as an existing church. But at a New Church Leaders Institute in early 2012, a “It’s probably the nature of any entity,” he said. “Once personality profile revealed she was “perfectly wired” for something is established, a lot of the energy is directed toward church planting, she said, with a lifelong habit of starting preserving its existence. ... Committees, officers, infrastructure things, including a ministry to autistic children and a ministry start to own the thing. Adam Hamilton of Kansas leads UM Church of to young adults who have aged out of church youth groups “In a new church, we can talk about the faith. We can talk the Resurrection. and still live at home. See Living Water, 8A

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Campus ministry Students imagine what’s NEXT Fifteen college students and four campus ten, Brown stated. They were asked to make ministers from Oklahoma were blessed with their own plans and fill out pledge cards with the opportunity Nov. 9-11 to attend a new what they “imagine” is next for their lives United Methodist conference in St. Louis, and ministries. Those cards will be mailed Mo. The program’s name: “Imagine What’s to them to remind them of their plans. NEXT.” “We left knowing that our ministry call- The Oklahomans traveled from Cam- ing could be fulfilled whether we are called eron University (Lawton), Southwestern to be a lay person or an ordained minister,” Oklahoma State University (Weatherford), said NWOSU student Jonathan Washington. Oklahomans savor a moment at NEXT, a recent campus ministry event in St. Northwestern Oklahoma State University The event consisted of concerts, small- Louis. In front are, from left, Elizabeth Horton-Ware, Katelyn Trobaugh, and (Alva), and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M group sharing, Communion, worship, and Angela Smith. All are named in the story. College (Miami). touring landmarks. Students were continu- Among topics presented to the 560 people ally encouraged to be involved, with many homelessness/poverty, and discipleship/ and campus minister Elizabeth Horton-Ware; attending NEXT were: fighting human traf- outreach opportunities. spiritual formation. from Cameron, Bobbilyn Owens, Delvis ficking, giving $100 to help a student start a According to their ministry interests, The Oklahomans welcomed the wide Simmonds, Peter Machis, Courtney Barden, ministry, building interfaith community on students chose among “affinity groups,” a array of affinity groups and found them Ja’Lyn Yarbrough, Nolan Ellis, Shautee’ campus, and learning how students in the key segment of NEXT. In each group, ideas informative and interesting. They enjoyed Hicks, Byron Phillips, and campus ministers Middle East pushed for change, reported flowed and support resources were offered, meeting people from campuses around the Galeda and Montie Jones; from NEO, Hank Vicki Brown of the UM General Board of which students can use within those areas nation. They agreed campus ministry enables Pippen and Angela Smith; and from NWOSU, Higher Education & Ministry. An additional of interest back on their home campuses. great experiences that lead students to be Jacey Ford, Josi Hasenauer, Jonathan Wash- 149 people watched sessions live online at The affinity groups in which the Oklahoma involved and stand up for what they believe. ington, and campus minister Deb Corr. www.umsm.org. students participated were: public health, Attending from Oklahoma were, from (Jonathan Washington, NWOSU, contrib- Students were asked to do more than lis- arts, legal justice, human trafficking, music, SWOSU, Katelyn Trobaugh, Aaron Hesler, uted to this report.)

OCU honors Bill Junk with Milhouse Award

Oklahoma City University recently mond and has served there in a variety presented its 2012 Bishop Paul W. of leadership roles over the years. Bill Milhouse Award to Bill Junk. has chaired its Administrative Council The award recognizes laypeople and served on the Staff-Parish Rela- who demonstrate outstanding leader- tions and Finance Committees. He and ship in the community, their United his wife, Stacy, are active in Sunday Methodist churches, and their annual School classes and a variety of small conferences, and who additionally groups. advocate for the partnership between At other levels in the Church, Bill OCU and the Church. The award has has chaired the Bi-District Board of been presented annually since 1982. Missions for the North and South Bill leads the Oklahoma United Oklahoma City Districts. He has been Methodist Foundation as its president Bill Junk elected several times as an Oklahoma and also serves the entire denomination as a member lay delegate to both General and Jurisdictional of the General Board of Pension & Health Benefits. Conferences. “Bill has been active at all levels of the Church And Bill has given dedicated service to OCU. all his life and is truly a servant leader,” said Mag- He is a member of the Board of Trustees. Through gie Ball in her remarks at the campus banquet Dec. his role at the Foundation, he works closely with 7. Rev. Ball is OCU vice president for University- the university to facilitate the generous funding of Church Relations. scholarships—particularly those for United Method- Bill’s involvement as a servant leader actu- ist students and those studying in OCU’s Wimberly ally prevented him from personally accepting the School of Religion. Milhouse Award. On the night of the banquet, he He was a key figure in the negotiations that en- was attending a meeting of the General Board of abled the university in 2012 to secure the historic Pensions, in Tampa, Fla. However, his family and Central High building, which will serve as the new friends in the audience, including many active in downtown home of its Law School. the Foundation, represented him well. Bill accepted The University-Church Relations Office wel- the award electronically, through a video prepared comes nominations at any time for this award. Pastor Adrian Cole, right, of New Covenant UMC accepts the by the Foundation’s communications coordinator, Contact Rev. Ball about outstanding laity you know Milhouse Award on behalf of honoree Bill Junk, a member of that Kristin Van Nort. who express their faith in concrete ways in their Edmond church. With him are OCU President Robert Henry and The 2012 Milhouse Award recipient is a member community and in support of OCU. She may be Vice-President for University-Church Relations Maggie Ball. of New Covenant United Methodist Church in Ed- reached at [email protected] or 405-208-5060.

The Oklahoma United Methodist Phone: 405-530-2075 Robert E. Hayes Jr., bishop Nyla Wallin, administrative assistant/video coordinator Joseph Harris, director of communications Alicia Galyon, Web ministry/graphics design Fax: 405-530-2093 Holly McCray, editor Amelia Ballew, The Media Center For subscription information, 1501 N.W. 24th contact 405-530-2075 or [email protected]. Sign up for Contact Digest, a free electronic newsletter, at www.okumc.org. Oklahoma United Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Moving? Send change by mail or e-mail: [email protected]. Send news to [email protected]. Next publication date: Feb. 15. Methodist Communications Jan. 25, 2013 The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Page 3A

Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop Build a sure foundation “Everyone who comes to me and hears sunset. I could see California! OK, maybe None of these can withstand what life wrote words that leave no doubt about the my words and does them, I will show you I exaggerate, but the view was beautiful. will send your way. importance of how we build our lives: “For what he is like: he is like a man building a (And reportedly the lavish dining room is When you hear and follow what Jesus no other foundation can anyone lay than house, who dug deep, and laid the founda- fully booked for months.) The ceremony says about true life, you will find every- that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ!” tion upon rock; and when a flood arose, the itself seemed over before the photographer thing you need for this life and more. But (I Corinthians 3:11) stream broke against that house, and could could say “smile.” you must begin your building on the sure Prayer for today: not shake it, because it had been well built.” As we made our way back down the foundation of Christ! Oh, eternal and ever-loving God, we (Luke 6:47-48) elevator, I thought about a passage of Scrip- The magnificent Harkness Tower has come before you this day asking that you By Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. ture I used in the ceremony. The words came stood for many years on the Yale University will govern and direct us by the power of couple of months ago, I got my from Jesus’ sermon that we commonly call campus. In the lower part of the outer wall is your Holy Spirit so that our minds may be first opportunity to visit the new The Beatitudes. one stone that differs from any other stones enlightened in the search for truth, that our A 52-story Devon I had told the beaming in the building. Its inscription declares that feet may be strengthened in the way of sal- Tower, the tallest building in couple that, as impressive one stone is part of the bedrock of the build- vation, that our lives may become beautiful our state. As far as 20 miles as the Devon Tower looks, ing, and it is set there to be a visible witness with the loveliness of service, and that our from downtown Oklahoma the most important part of to the unseen foundation, bearing testimony hearts may be still, more deeply confirmed City, you can see this massive that skyscraper is not found to the truth that things not seen are eternal. in your love. Through Jesus Christ, our rock steel-and-glass structure rising in its outward appearance. The Apostle Paul captured that deep and our foundation, we pray. there. Close upon it, everything The essential, most critical meaning in Jesus’ sermon, when he later Amen. near it seems miniature. part is something you cannot My reason for going to the see—the foundation. When the tower was to conduct a wed- building was under construc- ding. Instead of nuptials in a tion, workers had to dig down quiet church sanctuary, the cer- hundreds of yards before they emony was on the skyscraper’s could began building up. 50th floor! You need to know, The deeper the foundation, when it comes to heights, my Bishop Hayes the stronger the structure, I knees get shaky; my courage told the couple. takes a vacation when I am more than 10 The same is true of any marriage or feet above the ground. But this was for a anyone’s life. The foundation on which we very dear friend, so I determined to struggle build our lives is the most significant com- through my fear. ponent, ultimately determining whether we Walking into the building, my wife and will be able to withstand the floodwaters of I became wide-eyed over the beauty and adversity, howling winds of circumstances, size of this magnificent edifice. The lobby and difficulties that surely buffet all of us. decorations and fixtures were as large as As we enter this new year of 2013, I ask some houses. Restaurants and coffee shops you today: How and on what is your spiri- seemed everywhere. We felt we had just tual house built? Construct it on the words walked into a vertical city. and teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus We were escorted to a special elevator Christ, or you invite ruin. that rose nonstop to the top floors. My ears People often build lives on things. Some- popped crazily as we catapulted to the top times people put more faith in people than in less than 45 seconds! Exiting on the in the Lord. Some think the ultimate goal in 50th floor, we were drawn to the tower’s life is to accumulate possessions and make western windows, to look upon a stunning happiness the object of all striving. Hamilton: Continued from 1A The rapid growth and innovative meth- in the last five years. ods of the Kansas church he pastors draw “Through sermons, addresses, books, considerable attention both in and outside videos, and blog posts, the bespectacled pas- the denomination. tor may reach more United Methodists than To spread his ideas about church lead- anyone else in the denomination,” wrote Sam ership and UMC renewal, Hamilton has Hodges, managing editor of the Reporter. created and/or participated in venues such Hamilton grew up in the Kansas City as the Young Pastors’ Network, the Leading area. He earned degrees from Oral Roberts Edge gathering of large-church pastors, the University, Tulsa, and Perkins School of Large Church Initiative, and the Leadership Theology, Southern Methodist University, Institute. Dallas. “If we do all of the right things now, I “I have felt, really since my freshman think 20 years from now we will see the year in college, a call to renewal of The church in a healthy place and having a sig- United Methodist Church,” Hamilton said. nificant impact for the Kingdom,” he said. “I “I have such a strong sense that this church dream and hope and pray that our best days really matters to God and that our approach are ahead of us. I’d like to be part of that.” to the Gospel may be the best hope of reach- (Portions of this story are reprinted, ing a generation of millennials who may be with permission, from the United Methodist the most un-churched generation.” Reporter.) Page 4A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 25, 2013

The Conference Strategic Plan underscores the importance of both individual leadership and ministry partnerships to be fruitful for Christ in Oklahoma. Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, emphasized both personal and social holiness — words that have evolved into mercy and justice ministries. Here are modern-day stories of such individual and corporate Breaking out in the Spirit faith witness. prophets called upon Israel. him. I want to honor the ministries he “Our Discipline is not fully appreciated started.” CJAMM director when it talks about social holiness as well as Outgoing Director Basler rejected any personal holiness,” Basler said. “That was al- worry about the future for CJAMM. “We’ve to begin new role ways part of my self-identity about ministry.” got lots of fine people to do this,” he said. Elaine Robinson, dean of Saint Paul at And Oklahoma’s churches furnish solid OCU, affirmed Basler engages systems as By Holly McCray when we walked in, we could hear lots of financial support for CJAMM. well as individuals through his Christian tan Basler heard the yelling as he people shouting, ‘Good morning, Kairos! Basler said, “The watershed difference calling. walked through the state’s maximum- Who’s the church? We’re the church!’” is that this Conference has historically made S During a prison ministry immersion class security men’s prison at McAlester. Basler marveled. “At the end, men who Apportionment money available for this kind he leads, “the most intense part is in McAl- “The wicked shall overcome the righ- were so hardened were crying and hugging of ministry.” ester. Students go with Stan to visit prisoners teous!” men shouted. each other.” The CJAMM model is nationally ad- on death row,” she described. He was there to lead the first Kairos Other firsts followed as Basler worked mired, but “other conferences don’t get the “Stan gets down on the floor, so he can weekend inside an Oklahoma Department to expand CJAMM’s outreach in direct look through the tiny opening at the prisoner. support for this.” of Corrections facility. The year was 1994, ministries. Redemption Church in Oklahoma And there he says to each of these men, ‘How In 1994, the bulk of CJAMM’s $95,000 and Rev. Basler was new director of Criminal City launched later that year, and the first is it with your soul?’ Stan is very Wesleyan, budget was provided for through the Appor- Justice & Mercy Ministries (CJAMM) of the New Day Camp, for children of incarcerated because he understands not only that he must tionment, he recalled. Today that portion for Oklahoma Conference. parents, was held in Summer 1995. work to change the systems that dehumanize, CJAMM totals $377,000, and the ministry’s Almost 19 years later, the scene remains but also that each individual is a precious budget is more than $650,000. Grants and vivid to him. his year, on Feb. 1, Basler departs creation of God, no matter life choices and other donations, large and small, also help “We walked in that rainy October after- This post as CJAMM director. Adam mistakes, and he extends that meet the needs. noon, and people we couldn’t see shouted. Leathers will take on that appointment. grace.” We were up on the top floor, in the old F Basler will officially retire from the Okla- Dr. Robinson said Basler’s ‘Hopefully we can develop some kind cellhouse that looked like something out homa Conference. passion for restorative justice of collective vision for restorative justice of a James Cagney movie,” the clergyman But he will continue to work in the field ministry enhances the seminary’s here in Oklahoma.’—Stan Basler recalled. “We had a rough bunch in there, of restorative justice. For Saint Paul School mission. “Preparing pastors who people considered by the authorities as of Theology at Oklahoma City University, have a deep understanding of troublemakers. And it was multi-ethnic, and Basler will become the Visiting Professor restorative justice, as well as some who will hat foundational Apportionment they didn’t appreciate one another.” of Restorative Justice and Prison Ministries. choose to work within the prison system as Tgiving was in place long before He was not afraid. “That’s just where I For Basler, the new role brings oppor- chaplains or whatever capacity, is part and Basler and his predecessor, William Henry was supposed to be, I think. I’m afraid of tunity for him to more fully engage in pro- parcel of our mission,” she stated. Bentley. airplanes, not prisons. Kairos is designed for phetic ministry related to systems. Already Now retired, former Oklahoma Area what I call the lost sheep.” an adjunct professor for Saint Paul School, ev. Leathers recalled watching his Bishop Dan Solomon knows about the minis- He paused and cleared his throat. “It was this Distinguished Alumnus will be teach- RCJAMM predecessor minister one try’s roots. “What’s remarkable to me is, way one of the most powerful experiences in my ing more, collaborating more with public day to both a state leader and an inmate before even a very few people were talking entire life.” officials and other academicians, advocating in withdrawal. Basler is “very authentic,” about prison ministry, an annual conference Kairos concluded on a Sunday, “and for societal and system changes just like the Leathers said. “There’s no pretension about appointed a full-time person to go into the Clergyman recalls encounter at gunpoint By Jerry Coldren My brother began to debate the robber. I Den had just come in from his night job. did, too. After he changed, Den picked up my suitcase Den: “You don’t want to do this. You are and started out the back door, which leads into going to ruin your life. I am not going to go his garage. I was following. back into the house. This is my house and no As he went out the double garage door, one comes in unless I invite them. Why are Den dropped my suitcase and disappeared. I you doing this?” thought: What is he doing? Man: “My life is worth nothing. I’ve got I found out when I stepped out the garage too many problems, and I need money. I have door. no other choice. If you don’t go, I am going to A man was standing behind him, with a shoot you right now.” pistol pointed at Den’s head. Then he saw me Den: “Then you might as well shoot me now.” and pointed his pistol at me. Man, pointing gun at me: “You are going “This is a hold-up. I am going to rob you, to take me into the house or I will shoot you!” and if you don’t do what I tell you to do, I am Me: “My brother said that you are not wel- PREACHING AND POLICING—Capron’s pastor, Clark Struebing, left, also serves going to shoot you!” come to go into his home. You might as well as a reserve officer in the Woodward Police Department. He is shown being hon- He was wearing a mask over his nose, but shoot me, too!” ored last year by the State of Oklahoma as the oldest person to complete CLEET, it kept sliding down as he yelled. Man: “Don’t you understand? I’m desperate.” state training required for law officers. Rev. Struebing is age 77. A lawman since Den walked to my side, turned, and faced Me: “Sir, if you are that desperate, why 1958, he drives 78 miles one-way to serve the Capron church, which already paid the man. Den asked the man what he wanted. don’t you let us try to help you? We can get in full its 2013 Apportionments. District Superintendent David Burris said Capron “We are going into the house; I am robbing you help.” is growing under Struebing’s leadership. “We try to do our best,” said Struebing. you! If you don’t do what I tell you, I am going Man: “There is no hope for me. This is the “When you put God first, many things happen. I’m too young to retire.” to shoot you!” only way for me to get out of my situation.” Jan. 25, 2013 The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Page 5A

prisons of Oklahoma, to meet with “Stan helped us look at what we inmates, both women and men, lead were doing in a more holistic way. Bible study groups and self-esteem We took the work that had been done groups,” he commented recently. effectively and were able to build “That was, I think, unique across upon it, see it flourish in new ways.” Methodism when it began.” He concluded, “I hold high hope As Oklahoma’s episcopal leader for this next chapter in Stan’s minis- in 1994, “I had the opportunity, try. He’s going to be investing time along with the Cabinet, to reflect on and energy toward the root causes” the importance of this ministry in of justice issues. our Conference,” Bishop Solomon remembered. Rev. Bentley already ishop Solomon joined Basler had accomplished “strong and good Bat the launch of the first work with prisoners directly, in Redemption Church, during Advent facilities.” 1994, in Oklahoma City. Solomon continued, “Prison min- Today three Redemption Church- istry was in our DNA, but it was still es, two New Day Camps, and two locked up. It became apparent, if we Exodus Houses provide a partial were going to address justice issues, summary of the ongoing extensive we had to expand the umbrella of our ministry of CJAMM. concern to the families and particu- Basler remembered a sudden larly the children.” uneasiness as he painted his office Basler’s first career was as a law- on his very first day as director. How yer. He was just beginning his clergy could he find people interested in career in 1994, as an associate pastor this type of ministry? Doubt “crept at Muskogee-First, when he was ap- into my mind,” he admitted. “You pointed to CJAMM. could say that was the voice of the He welcomed the appointment. enemy!” Basler had asked God for guidance to Christ helps us overcome the en- continue in justice ministry in some emy. An ice storm shut down much way when he accepted God’s calling of Oklahoma City on the weekend and left his legal career. of Basler’s 62nd birthday. Most “Stan brought a passion for work- churches cancelled Sunday worship, Photo by Amelia Ballew ing with incarcerated persons along but Penn Avenue Redemption Church Stan Basler talks with a CJAMM volunteer and a man incarcerated at the state correctional with their families, and the sense of opened its doors. Of 52 worshippers facility near Lexington. wanting the Church to be a presence present, 30 were former inmates. in the life of that segment of our so- “That was a tremendous birthday n On Feb. 16, a retirement luncheon will honor Stan Basler. ciety,” Solomon said. present,” Basler remarked. For more information, contact Lesa Rhoads in the CJAMM office, 405-530-2014. Clergyman recalls encounter at gunpoint Early on an April morning in the only hope anyone can depend on.” people think there is no hope for them. 2010, Jerry Coldren prepared Cursing, the robber rejected my offer of prayer and then Society in general has not gotten the word out that there to bid goodbye after visiting my business card. is help available. The Church has not done a good job either, his brother, Den, a security Den: “I have a few dollars in my wallet. I will give them in letting the world know there is hope in God through Jesus guard living near Collinsville, to you and turn around, and then you can leave. I won’t know Christ. in northeastern Oklahoma. the direction you take. We can forget what happened. OK?” I forgave the man the moment he put the pistol in my face. A 400-mile drive awaited the The man uncocked and slightly lowered the gun. If he did shoot me, I did not want to go to my God and Savior pastor, who served the Quickly I extended the same offer. with unforgiveness in my life. Keyes and Marella churches The robber ordered us to slowly get out our money. Den I still pray for that man, that God will put someone in his in the Oklahoma Panhandle. had $30; I had $40. path who will fertilize the seed planted when I told him about The time was 7 a.m... The man grabbed the money and took off. Den and I did Jesus Christ. not turn around; we heard no car. My hope and my prayer are that this story will cause the Coldren After a few moments, Den said, “Let’s go into the house.” reader to consider what he or she would do in such a situation. When the robber said he had no hope, I knew what to say. He closed the garage door and locked the regular door as we Are you willing to help and offer hope to a person holding a The Holy Spirit got in charge of me; I must emphasize that. went back inside. He called the sheriff’s department, and law gun in your face? Are you willing to forgive at that moment? officers began arriving. K-9 units and a helicopter were ordered Where have you placed your hope? Me: “Sir, there is always hope. I pastor a church. I know into action. The public was alerted through news media. May God surround you with protecting angels, as He did some people who would be willing to help. I would like to My brother told a newsman: “I was thinking of how I for my brother and me. May God use you to bring hope into pray for you right now that God would help you. There is One could hit the man, and my brother was asking if he could someone’s life. who can really help you with your feeling of having no hope. pray for him.” (Officially retired, Coldren now pastors Shidler/Grainola/ That is God—the God that sent his only Son into this world to Learning that I was a pastor, a reporter asked my feelings Foraker, Bartlesville District. He and his wife, Vela, live at die for you, me, my brother, and the entire world so all would about the robbery and the man. Shidler. The robber was arrested about a month after the have hope. His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is I’m sad that the man would not accept our help. A lot of encounter, the pastor reported.) Page 6A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 25, 2013 Churches track history through baptisms The baptism ceremony unfolds, and joy wells in worshippers’ hearts. Here is a new member of Christ’s family! Perhaps the pastor carries an infant out into the congregation. Some- times members rise and move forward to welcome adults and youths at the altar. Baptism is one of two sacraments—the holiest sacred moments—in The United Methodist Church. (The other rite is Communion.) For the Adair and Lone Grove church families, the ritual bears an additional layer of meaning. Six generations of the Watkins family have been baptized at the Lone Grove church. The Wilsons trace their Christian story across five generations at Adair UMC. On Oct. 7, Trace Watkins, in the company of his family, presented himself for baptism at Lone Grove-First UMC. Age 6, Trace represented the sixth generation of the family to belong there. At Lone Grove, surrounding Trace Watkins are, His family’s membership begins with his great-great-great from left, Damon Bales, Jessie Nolan, Kristi grandparents, William and Susan Webster, and continues Watkins, and Brayden Bales. through his great-great grandparents, Henry and Inez Cooper; great-grandparents, Jesse and Inez Patton; grandmother Jes- sie Nolan; and Trace’s mother, Kristi Watkins. His brothers Baptism of the Lord Sunday, observed Brayden and Damon also recently became members. Jan. 13 this year, calls United “What a true honor it is to celebrate this legacy of faith!” said Pastor Harold Hunt. Methodists to renew their commitment West of Ardmore, the Lone Grove church was established to discipleship through ritual and in 1886 and renamed First Church in 1908. Other long- remembrance. See “Remember Your standing members include Theron Price Jr., Martha Payne, and Robin Porter, reported Karen Hunt. Baptism” in the January/February issue In northeastern Oklahoma last year, at Adair UMC, Pastor of Interpreter magazine. Trish Harris baptized the youngest Wilson family members, two cousins. The ceremonies took place on separate days. Bess Kinion holds Dilaney Wilson at Adair UMC. She learned the extent of the Wilsons’ faith story when baptizing a sixth great-great-grandchild, expected in March. Their ages differ by 96 years and 1 day. church staff searched records for any members affiliated 50 Ginger Wilson said the family attends church regularly, years or longer with the church. except for Justin, in the U.S. Air Force. Ginger has filled to go to church in the town where they went to school,” The family matriarch, Bess Kinion, age 96, has been a leadership roles including youth director and treasurer. She Ginger said simply. member for 82 years, Rev. Harris disovered. oversees the family ranch; she and her sister live on the She reflected on the special moments in 2012. “It made Linked to the United Methodist family through their original acreage. me very proud my children wanted to carry on that tradition, baptisms, the Wilson generations are, from oldest to young- “Bessie is still in her own home, and she walks 2 miles their children being baptized where we all were,” she said. est: “Bessie” and Clarence Kinion, the late Jimmy Kinion, a day,” Ginger said. “It was very heartwarming to know there were generations Ginger Kinion Wilson, brothers Justin and Dustin Wilson, and When Ginger was between 8 and 22, the family lived in that had all been doing the same thing.” five great-great grandchildren. Rev. Harris looks forward to Ohio. When they returned to Adair, “I thought my kids needed – Holly McCray Briefly Save the date n Dean Amy Oden will lecture n Guthrie cooks up Bolivia/Oklahoma Methodist at Boston Avenue Groundhog Dinner Guthrie-First UMC will offer homemade sausage as Ayllu Reunion Amy Oden, dean and professor of History of Chris- April 13 tianity at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, the main dish on Feb. 7 at its 2013 Groundhog Dinner D.C., will present the 2013 Barton fundraiser. OKC-St. Andrew’s The meal will be held at the Fairgrounds Building Clinton Gordey Series on Feb. 10- Keynotes: Edwin Corr, former U.S. ambassador 12 at Tulsa’s Boston Avenue UMC. in Guthrie, with two serving times, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. to Bolivia, and Bishop Hayes She will speak at 8:30 and 11 Contact: [email protected] a.m. Feb. 10, and also at 7 p.m. on The day will include a silent auction. Feb. 10 through 12. To purchase tickets in advance, call the church, 405- Her series is titled “Spiritual or 282-0926. Adoption Religious? YES!” Originally from southwestern n Young adults signing up The adoption of Myles Z. Daigle was finalized on Dec. 17, 2012, Oklahoma, Dr. Oden earned her for mission field by Adam and Rev. Shelly Coulter Daigle, pastor at Trinity UMC in Ph.D. at Southern Methodist Uni- Young adults, ages 20 to 30, are encouraged to prayer- Tulsa. Myles’ birthday is Aug. 11, 2011, and he joined the family on Jan. 6, 2012. versity, writing her dissertation on Oden fully consider applying for the 2013 class of UM mis- Augustine. She previously served sion interns and US-2s, announced Karen Distefano of Appointments on the faculties of Saint Paul School of Theology in Bartlesville, the Oklahoma Conference Mission secretary. Kansas City and Oklahoma City University. Feb. 15 is the deadline to apply for these posts through James Hyung Kim to North Carolina Conference from Noble UMC Most of her work has been an effort to make ancient the General Board of Global Ministries. (South OKC District), effective Jan. 1. voices, especially women’s voices, accessible to current Interested Oklahomans may contact Distefano at Darlene Johnson to Retirement from Tulsa-Asbury UMC (Tulsa), audiences. Her recent scholarship has focused on the [email protected] or 918-336-0351. effective Jan. 1. radical practice of hospitality in early Christianity, and The assignments extend about two years. Jan Fletcher to Retirement from Okeene UMC (Enid), effective its challenge for communities today. Find materials at: Dec. 31, 2012. Her recent book, “God’s Welcome: Hospitality for a www.umcmission.org/Get-Involved/Young-People/ Lisa Crone to Disability Leave from Ponca City-St. Paul’s UMC Gospel-Hungry World,” was written for congregations. Serve/Long-Term-Programs/Preparing-to-Apply. (Stillwater), effective Dec. 1, 2012. Jan. 25, 2013 The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Page 7A Passages Technology drive to help South American pastors Wanda Jean Lemons, 83, of Vinita, died Jan. 13, The Conference Office of Mission has launched a pastoral, biblical, and theological texts to improve their 2013. She was the wife of Rev. Wishard F. Lemons, “technology drive” to collect communications tools for education and preparation to serve God. retired. Methodist pastors and professors in Bolivia and Colombia. You also can give funds to purchase equipment for those Wanda was born in rural southeastern Oklahoma. In those nations, “pastors do not have easy access to Methodist leaders. She was a retired English and business teacher, with a texts and resources for their education. Professors also lack Send your technology donation to Carlos Ramirez, distinguished career in Tulsa Public Schools and Oral tools to teach and prepare ministers for the work in the lo- 1501 N.W. 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106, and write Roberts University. cal church. This is why we are inviting you to participate “Technology Drive” on the package. If sending funds, Avid runners, the couple participated in many of in this technology drive,” said Carlos Ramirez, associate make your check payable to Office of Mission, at the same those Tulsa events over the years, including the Wish director in the Office of Mission. address, and in the memo line write “Technology Drive.” Lemons Run. If you plan to upgrade your tablet computer or laptop, “We will gather all the equipment and then take it to Survivors include her husband of 54 years; sons donate the older one to this campaign. Having such a Bolivia and Colombia,” said Rev. Ramirez. Clark, Don, Gary, and Mark; daughter Laurie; several tool provides pastors and professors access to materials Deadline to donate is May 30, the closing day of An- grandchildren and a great-grandson. and books at lower costs, some free. They can download nual Conference. Service was Jan. 17 was Tulsa-First UMC, with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa.

Eleanor May Cochran, 85, of Montgomery, Texas, Missions shorten distance between 2 churches died Jan. 2, 2013, in Tomball, Texas. She was the wife of Victory Memorial and Wilburton- Rev. Carl Thompson Cochran Jr., retired Local Pastor. First appear to have more differences Eleanor was born Sept. 17, 1927, in Elizabethtown, than commonalities. After all, Victory Pa. She was a homemaker and a literacy tutor for adults. Memorial is the United Methodist church Survivors include Rev. Cochran, her husband of 66 in Guymon, in the Panhandle prairie, years; daughters Jeanine Radican, Michelle Norman, and Wilburton is in the state’s forested and Anita Wooldredge; son Carl T. Cochran III; three southeast. Wilburton’s membership totals grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. about 200, and worship averages 70. The Funeral service was Jan. 4 at Garden Park Cemetery, Guymon church reported 900 members with arrangements by Cashner Funeral Home, Conroe, and attendance of 300. Texas. But when 17 youths from Wilburton took part in Youth Force Guymon last Beth Elaine Light died Jan. 4, 2013. She was the summer, a beautiful connection formed mother of Rev. Ed Light, senior pastor at OKC-Grace. between the two churches. As young Jerry Nelms of Coweta died Jan. 2, 2013. He was people worked alongside adults during the father of Rev. Andy Nelms, an associate pastor at that week in mission, all found in com- OKC-Nichols Hills. mon a passion for serving Christ through Vida Scraper died Jan. 11, 2013. She was the serving neighbors. mother of Rev. Randy Scraper, senior pastor at OKC- Nichols Hills, and grandmother of Rev. Matt Scraper, From that week, a continuing friend- Volunteers repairing a Wilburton home work a little closer to heaven. pastor at Marlow. ship developed. Jessie Hines died Jan. 14, 2013. She was the mother That fruit was evident in late October, of what it means to be Methodist — to willingness of a church to see a need of Rev. Harold Brown, retired. when the Guymon church sent to Wilbur- be connected through the way we serve, and meet it.” ton a mission team of six men. Partnering the way we love, and the way we share,” Rev. Coates said the family welcomed with workers there, they roofed a home she said. the team to share a lunch of deer chili. The for a large family. In addition, the team She described the hard-working Sparkses stretch a very tight budget by Opportunities delivered 10 boxes of clothing, to help Sparks family and their excitement over hunting and canning most of their food. Administrative Assistant/Office Manager: Full- supply a new clothing closet in the com- the project. The home shelters three “This moment of shared meal placed time. OKC-Southern Hills UMC, 8200 S. Pennsylvania, munity, and more than 70 coats for dis- generations. the team and the family on equal ground, Okla. City, OK 73159, [email protected]. tribution through schools and churches. The parents “serve faithfully in our not as one group that has more and has Wilburton’s Pastor April Coates local congregation, teaching children’s something to give, but as brothers and Director of Christian Education & Programming: described the blessing of seeing the classes, serving as a trustee, serving as sisters in Christ acknowledging they are Full-time. Weatherford-First UMC, [email protected]. volunteers build relationships with one outreach chair, and organizing recovery in need of each other,” she concluded. Contemporary Worship Keyboardist: OKC-St. another and the family as they also built meetings in our community,” she said. (Coates also is campus minister for Andrew’s UMC, Ginny Pass, 405-692-4242x102. a roof Oct. 24-27. “They were overwhelmed by the United Ministries at Eastern Oklahoma “The project was a picture of the best hospitality of Victory Memorial — the State College.) Administrative Assistant II: Full-time. Wimberly School of Religion at OCU. Jes- sica Hoile, 405-208-6320, [email protected]. New leaders installed http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/jobs/ submit.cfm?fuseaction=dspjob&company_ for Stillwater UMMen id=16211&version=2&jobid=347. On Dec. 14, Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. Organist/Pianist: Part-time. First UMC of Burkbur- installed the officers of the United Methodist nett, TX. [email protected]. Men at Stillwater-First UMC. Music Minister: Part-time. Wesley UMC, Barry Ben- Each Friday, 35 to 50 men meet for break- nett, 101 S. Barker, El Reno, OK 73036, wesleyelreno@ fast, a devotion, and Communion. Several sbcglobal.net. are members of other churches in Stillwater and Payne County. About 60 attended when Director of Children’s Ministry: Part-time. Sapulpa Bishop Hayes led the induction ceremony and UMC, Allen Schneider, [email protected], 918- presented his inspiring, challenging message, 224-3006. reported UMMen Secretary Floyd Hawk. Chief Financial Officer: General Board of Church & “These men carry out their faith by volunteering at the Thursday Night Community From left are Bishop Hayes and Society. Full-time. Frances Roberts, 100 Maryland Ave., meal at the church’s Family Life Center and helping with food distribution at the UMMen officers Steve Norman, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20002, [email protected]. Storehouse on 2700 S. Husband St.,” Hawk said. “They also send teams to work at Floyd Hawk, and Norv Stunkel, at Info: http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=U church camps several times per year.” Stillwater-First UMC on Dec. 14. WUwai5mUx8f08AYPw8NN0Xpim%2F10QTl. Page 8A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact Jan. 25, 2013

Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation insights Foundation, OKC Thunder partner On March 15, the Oklahoma youth groups, Sunday United Methodist Foundation school classes, again will partner with the Okla- UMMen, UM- Is it time to update your will? homa City Thunder basketball Women, and team to bring the OKC Thunder others to have a The start of a new year marks a good Nothing But Nets Night. fun night out time to review your will or estate plans, to As the Thunder and support a ensure everything is current and up-to-date. take on the Or- worthy cause. Many significant things can happen in a lando Magic in The number of year. Below are several life changes and the Chesapeake available tickets is other noteworthy reasons to update your Energy Arena in limited. will or estate plans. downtown Okla- Through ticket sales You give birth to or adopt a child homa City, United and other contributions, the Your children reach adulthood Methodists will take Foundation has raised more You inherit or are given “new” assets on the deadly disease than $30,000 since the first The needs of your beneficiaries change malaria. Oklahoma City Thunder Nothing You give away or sell assets mentioned in When game tick- But Nets basketball game, in 2011. your current will ets are purchased With the money raised, Nothing But Nets Significant change in your assets’ value Marriage through the Foun- has provided more than 3,000 life-saving Purchase or sale of real estate dation, a portion bed nets for children and families in de- Relocation of the ticket veloping countries, so they sleep safe from A named beneficiary dies price will go the bites of disease-carrying mosquitoes Death, relocation, or disability of executor to Nothing But that spread malaria. Death of a spouse contact the Foundation for your copy of The Nets. Tickets Nothing but Nets is supported by many Divorce Christian’s Guide to Planning Your Will range from $36-$46 and can be purchased organizations, and the project’s charter You wish to make a gift to your church or other & Trust to begin the process. The guide is United Methodist cause by calling Travis at the Foundation, at entities include The United Methodist complimentary and will walk you through 405-609-3105. Church and the NBA. For more informa- If you are among the more than 50 per- the necessary steps to take prior to seeing The game is an opportunity for church tion, visit www.nothingbutnets.org. cent of Americans that do not have a will, an attorney.

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

Living Water: Comedy show Continued from 1A to benefit new church Laugh with the ones you love Feb. 15 in Tulsa at about Jesus and the difference he’s making in our a comedy show (possibly for Valentine’s date night?) lives,” Rev. Stinson said. and help support the new Living Water church. The He said the Oklahoma Conference starts about Late Night Nun will bring the funny to fundraising in “Til Death Do Us Part: Late Night Catechism 3.” Staged in three churches every two years and has had an eye Jubilee Hall at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, on the Tulsa-to-Glenpool area for some time. the Friday night show begins at 7. Scherer will be on the payroll of the Confer- Ticket information: www.LivingWaterTulsa.com. ence for three years, while the church is getting established. services begin in the fall. Since getting her assignment, she said, she has She struggled to find a name that seemed right been praying for guidance and getting to know for the church, she said. people in the Glenpool area by knocking on doors, She awoke at 3 a.m. one night and prayed, “I’ve Photo by Shannon Blanchard volunteering, and taking a leadership program. got to get help with this.” Dressed as an angel, young Kevin Lund of Glenpool leads volun- “I spent the first few months in prayer and dis- The name Living Water came to her mind, a teer performers in retelling the Christmas story for Living Water. cernment, asking why I was called to this and think- reference to the biblical story in which Jesus broke ing about churches I’d been to,” she said. all social barriers by talking to a woman. South Tulsa church plant Her thoughts always went back to a diverse “She was an adulterous woman, but yet he of- church she visited in junior high school, with fered her living water,” she said. attracts 82 on Christmas Eve people of every color, deaf signers, and people in Scherer said she knows she is breaking ground as On Christmas Eve, the retelling of Volunteers Dallas and Jaime Weav- wheelchairs. a female United Methodist church planter in Okla- Christ’s birth also heralded the first er, Reese Alger, and Mark Mann led the “It looked like heaven,” she said. homa, and she realizes some people will quote the worship service for Living Water, a music. Rev. Scherer’s sermon focused Her vision is that Living Water will be a place Apostle Paul about women not teaching or exercising new church plant in south Tulsa County. on God shining the light of Jesus into like that, she said, “a place of grace and acceptance authority over men. Among the 85 people in attendance the darkness of the world, drawing for people from every walk of life.” She said many other passages about women in the were a mother and her 8-week-old baby, from the Gospel of John. The service A core group of about 18 young adults, most of ministry, some by Paul himself, indicate that Paul’s who represented Mary and Jesus in the concluded with a “birthday cake for them younger than 30, have been meeting with her remarks were meant for women in a certain church re-enactment. Jesus” celebration. The worship was monthly to do outreach projects. at a certain time and not for all women for all time. “We began with assembling sand- at Camp Loughridge, in west Tulsa. Most of them are “de-churched,” she said, former Scherer was raised in a five-generation Methodist wiches for our Call to Worship,” Pas- Worship services will continue on the members of churches who were no longer active. home. She played basketball for Southern Methodist tor Heather Scherer said. “We blessed first Sunday of each month. Their first official worship service was at 7 p.m. University in Dallas, lived and worked there, and blankets gifted by the congregation and Scherer welcomes contact informa- on Christmas Eve at the chapel at Camp Loughridge then returned to the Tulsa area. used them to kneel on for Communion.” tion for people without church homes in far west Tulsa. She and her husband have three children, ages On Christmas Day, the blankets and in the south Tulsa area. You may reach Scherer plans to start a coffeehouse-type 18 to 25. the sandwiches were taken to the Day her at [email protected], ministry early this year, to provide a home base (Copyrighted, Tulsa World, Dec. 22, 2012. Re- Center for the Homeless. 918-853-8872. and a place where people can meet until regular printed with permission.)