Contact, an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A • 039000 • Volume 157, Number 50 • April 15, 2011
THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

n Addiction Ministries to offer school option, 5A

n Bill Chissoe leads United Methodist Men, 6A
www.okumc.org

Local Church
Leader’s
Workshops:
Thousands connect
to grow the Body
Final attendance tally from the Local
Church Leader’s Workshops: 2,633 partici-
pants at 10 events across Oklahoma.
The March 26 event in Stillwater District,
with 175 in attendance, concluded the annual
training series. Severe weather forced one
district—Ardmore—to cancel this year.
These training events answer the call to
“Recruit, assess, equip, and send spiritual
leaders,” one of the three primary goals of
the Conference’s Strategic Plan.
Aly Shahan, Conference coordinator of the
workshops, reported the classes with the most
attendance: Judaism, Christianity, Islam—and
Peace, taught by John Starkey; Servant Lead-
OCU inaugurates President Robert Henry ership, led by members of the Board of Laity;
and What Every Member Should Know About
Above, former presi- Poverty, by George Warren.
dent Tom McDaniel “This shows the people of our Conference
embraces President are yearning to serve and to be in ministry
Robert Henry on April outside the four walls of the church build-
6 at the inauguration. ing,” Shahan said.
Below, David Wilson Ranking second in attendance were:
offers the opening Prayer and Your Personality; Who, Me,
prayer; Bishop Hayes Evangelism?; Spiritual Practices from the
is seated at right. Other Celtic Christians; Passionate Evangelism;
festivities: Jasmine and Coping with Conflict in Community.
Zhang performs the Shahan said, “I believe this confirms the
Chinese peacock leaders of our local churches are searching
dance. A new campus for ways to strengthen and renew their spiri-
sport, sailing makes a tual lives, both personally and corporately.”
splash. Story, 2A. Other opportunities to grow as Christian
Photos by Holly McCray leaders occur throughout the year. Below are
two of the events this month.
n “Staffing and Supervision for Multi-
Staff Congregations.” April 26 at Canyon

Watch Annual Conference LIVE May 29-June 1 Camp. Leader is Susan Beaumont of the
Alban Institute. Each participant receives
n Be a virtual guest and view the soaring worship and dedicated work of this Oklahoma gath- the book “When Moses Meets Aaron,” by
ering as it unfolds in Oklahoma City at St. Luke's and Oklahoma City University. Gil Rendle and Beaumont. Sponsored by the
Discipleship Ministry Team. Contact Diana
n Prepare and donate emergency supplies to Oklahoma VIM's annual “Kit Drive” during Northcutt, dnorthcutt@okumc.org.
the conference, for worldwide use. Find kit assembly instructions on the UMCOR website. n LEAD III seminar for clergy. April
29-30 at OCU's Smith Chapel. Sessions:
n Give to the Annual Conference Offering, which will support ministry at Cookson Hills Accountability and motivation, by Bar-
Center (Oklahoma), Bolivia, and Liberia. bara Crandall; Continuing education, David
Wiggs; Time management, Matt Judkins;
n Enter your best shot of an Oklahoma bridge in the photo contest based on the
Importance of strategic planning, Craig
Annual Conference theme: “The Plan: a Bridge to the Future.”
Stinson; and Leading your leaders (staff and
Follow the links at www.okumc.org. Voting details, 8A. volunteers), Bob Spinks. Sign up at www.
okumc.org/registrations/register/47.
The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, TX 75247. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas.
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Page 2A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 15, 2011

Stars shine brightly

for inaugural week
By ROD NEWMAN
University Chaplain
The starring role went to President Robert
Henry, but the Stars of Oklahoma City Uni-
versity—the students—cast their brilliance
onto a grand week of inaugural activities for
him in early April.
OCU, the United Methodist university in
Oklahoma, officially installed its 17th presi-
dent with a swirl of free events in his honor,
beginning by attending church on Sunday,
April 3.
That morning at St. Luke’s United Meth-
odist Church in Oklahoma City, where Henry
worships, OCU musicians joined their talents
with the St. Luke’s choir and Bishop Robert
Hayes Jr. preached.
That afternoon, more than 1,500 persons
filled First Presbyterian Church for a concert
production of “Requiem” by Hector Berlioz.
Composed in the 1800s, the enormous piece
has 10 movements. More than 350 OCU musi-
cians—orchestral and choral—performed, led
by Randi Von Ellefson.
On the evening of April 5, the university
community and guests enjoyed a “Moveable
Feast.” At various campus locations, students
presented creative works from the areas of
dance, music, theater, film, literature, and
visual art. Also spotlighted were student or-
ganizations and athletics—including sailing,
added to the liberal arts school’s offerings
two years ago.
On April 6, the presidential installation
ceremony was held at 10 a.m. in the Henry J.
Freede Wellness and Activity Center.
That program opened with an academic
procession and presentation of the colors by
the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society.
The invocation was given in both Choctaw
and English by David Wilson, United Meth-
odist pastor and Oklahoma Indian Missionary
Conference superintendent.
Distinguished representatives of civic,
religious, and academic areas charged the
president with Calls to Service in his new role,
urging him to embody integrity, creativity, and
servant leadership. These speakers included
Bishop Hayes; Enoch Kelly Haney, a former
state senator, OCU alumnus, and sculptor
of “The Guardian” statue that tops the state
Capitol; Steven Taylor, chief justice of the
Oklahoma Supreme Court; Mick Cornett,
mayor of Oklahoma City; Glen Johnson,
chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for
Higher Education; and state
Sen. David Holt. Photo by Amelia Ballew
In his inaugural address,
Henry reflected on the week’s
theme, “Make Our Garden
Grow.” He referred to the
poem, “Homecoming,” by
the late Elaine Smokewood,
an English professor at OCU.
She wrote that she was the re-
cipient of a garden she did not
plant, and how it was entrusted
to her care.
Henry acknowledged the
work of those who have invest- Clockwise: Kramer School of Nursing dedicated its new East
ed themselves in OCU over building, top. Generation Blessed Gospel Choir performs
the past 100 years, planting a outdoors, with the Gold Star Building as backdrop. Dress
garden others now cultivate, rehearsal for the “Requiem” concert involved 350 music
and vowed to do his best as students, including this cellist and bassists. President Robert
one of the current gardeners Henry places the university mace in its stand.
for today’s students and those
to come. The university was founded in 1904. Nursing. In the school’s new East building, the mayor, said the week of events illuminated
His address was followed by a stirring dedication was held for the Vietnam Women’s the university’s dedication to education and
presentation by OCU performing arts stu- Memorial bronze maquette, sculpted by reputation for talent.
dents—the Symphony Orchestra, Spirit of Glenna Goodacare. “These events reflect President Henry’s
Grace Liturgical Dancers, and four combined That evening, David Brooks, a national breadth of interests and his love of academ-
choruses. They brought the audience to its feet media commentator and columnist for The
ics,” Norick also noted.
with “Make Our Garden Grow,” from Leonard New York Times, was headliner in OCU’s
Henry previously served as chief judge of
Bernstein’s “Candide.” Distinguished Speaker Series.
the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, the
The inaugural celebration continued that On April 7, Kathleen Sullivan, former
dean of Stanford Law School, presented the state’s attorney general, and a state legisla-
afternoon with symposia on topics of phi-
lanthropy, law, health, the energy industry, Quinlan Lecture, concluding the inaugura- tor. His relationship with OCU has included
economics, and more. tion events. serving as dean of the School of Law and as
Also that afternoon, the grand opening Ron Norick, chairman of OCU’s board a tenured professor of law 1991-1994. He has
was held for the expanded Kramer School of of trustees and a former Oklahoma City been a frequent guest lecturer.

You are invited to Easter Vigil April 23

Oklahoma City University in-
vites everyone to a special Easter
Vigil on Saturday, April 23. This
service dates back to the earliest
days of the Christian church and is
held the night before Easter, as a transition from Lent to the
celebration of Easter.
The presentation will follow the traditional order—Scrip-
ture readings, remembrance of baptism, and Holy Commu-
nion—and will be energized by the participation of students
and faculty from the arts departments at OCU.
The event begins with a gathering in Watson Lounge, in
the lower level of Smith Chapel at 7:30 p.m. After a brief
orientation, participants will go outside for the lighting of the
Paschal fire and candle. The Spirit of Grace Liturgical Dancers
will lead a candlelight procession into the sanctuary. Theater
students and dancers will interpret select Scripture readings.
Music, including the Generation Blessed Gospel Choir, hymns,
and drummers, will move worshippers through the service.
The service will end with a dramatic presentation of the
resurrection story, followed by an Easter processional and
Communion.
This service is intended for people of all ages. Anyone
wishing to be part of the volunteer choir is invited to rehearse,
beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the chapel.
For details: contact Rodney Newman, 405-208-5484,
RNewman@okcu.edu.

The Oklahoma United Methodist

Phone: 405-530-2075 Robert E. Hayes Jr., bishop Nyla Wallin, administrative assistant/video coordinator
Joseph Harris, director of communications Alicia Galyon, Web ministry/graphics design
Fax: 405-530-2093 Holly McCray, editor of publications Amelia Ballew, The Media Center
To subscribe, send mailing information
1501 N.W. 24th and $15 to our address at left. Sign up 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: aballew@okumc.org. Send news to editor@okumc.org. Next publication date: May 6. Methodist Communications
 Page 3A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 15, 2011

Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop

A challenge to pray and fast

“The world is full of so-called prayer war-
riors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of
formulas and programs and advice, peddling
techniques for getting what you want from God.
Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father
you are dealing with, and He knows better than
you what you need. With a God like this loving
you, you can pray very simply.”
(Matthew 6:7-9, The Message Bible)
the floor in the morning until we climb into bed
at night, we move at the speed of sound, all
the while murmuring some incomprehensible
mumbo-jumbo to God as we scurry about.
Sorry, God. I’d love to spend more time with
you, but I’ve got so much to do! Amen!
Thank you, God, for all you’ve done. Bless
my family—got to run now. Amen!
Sound familiar?
Some of us adopt an I’m so tired method of
heathen gods, thinking their gods could be
moved to act when the people repeated certain
prayer words. Jesus taught that such praying is
heathen because it denies trust in the heavenly
Father. We do not need to pray in order to in-
form God of our needs or to convince God to
care enough to do something about our needs.
God already knows and cares.
Prayer does not change God’s nature. When
we pray, we ourselves are transformed.
ritual with faces unwashed, gaunt expressions,
bare feet, and ashes on their heads.
As he so often did, Jesus took issue with
these religious leaders. Jesus taught that fast-
ing should be occasional, secret, and joyous,
as with gifts of charity. Fasting should be free
of any display of spiritual pride.
Today amid abundance and greed, fasting
has almost disappeared as a spiritual discipline.
Yet no devotion to life, music, employment,

S
By BISHOp ROBERT HAyES JR.
o much of what we know about the
Christian season of Lent is shrouded
in old assumptions, beliefs, and
practices. Two areas that espe-
cially confuse us are praying
and fasting.
Some of us adopt the “pray
quickly, fast lightly” approach.
The pace of our lives seems to
leave little or no time to pray.
And when we hear the term fast-
ing, some of us think it means
eating lunch at 1 o’clock instead
of noon. We must acknowledge
these statements are true for
many. Bishop Hayes
Is this the approach you use
when it comes to those two important disci-
plines of the Christian life?
Pray quickly?
In our daily rush, our prayers resemble a
drive-by event. From the moment our feet hit
praying. That occurs when we try to pray as we
are falling asleep, or as we struggle to wake up.
Have you ever given much thought to what
God thinks about all of this?
Prayer is the most important
tool we have to bring God closer
to us. Christmas Evans* wrote,
“Prayer is the rope in the belfry;
we pull it, and it rings the bell up
in heaven.”
God doesn’t look at the
rhetoric of our prayers, how
elegant they may be; nor at the
geometry of our prayers, how
long they may be; nor at the
arithmetic of our prayers, how
many they may be; neither at
the logic of our prayers, how
methodical they may be.
God looks at the sincerity of our prayers and
our willingness to open the floodgates of our
souls to let our Creator work in us.
During Jesus’ lifetime, people prayed to
According to one story, the theologian Au-
gustine was annoyed by his neighbor.
“Oh, Lord,” Augustine prayed, “take away
this wicked person.”
God answered, “Which?” (Augustine or
the neighbor?)
Bill Hybels, founder and pastor of Willow
Creek Community Church in Illinois, shared
this insight on prayer.
“When I am wrong, God says ‘grow.’
“When the timing is wrong, God says ‘slow.’
“When the request is wrong, God says ‘no.’
“But when I am right, the timing is right, and
the request is right, God says ‘go.’”
Fast lightly?
Prayer is misunderstood, but fasting cer-
tainly ranks at the top of our “most confused”
Christian practices.
In Jesus’ day, many Pharisees kept two
fasts each week, on Thursday and Monday,
marking when Moses respectively ascended
and descended Mount Sinai. They observed this
or any other pursuit is possible without some
discipline. And the requirement of self-restraint
is still very much applicable as a part of our
Christian walk.
Simply put, you don’t have to fast 40 days,
as Jesus did in the wilderness. You don’t have to
shout your testimony from the rooftop or walk
around with a depressed look on your face to
let the world know you are fasting.
Go without food long enough to acknowl-
edge your utter dependence on God. Do without
until you arrive at the point where you convince
yourself that your physical needs are not as
great as your spiritual needs.
Fasting is an act of submission. It is an act
of surrender of your will to God’s will. It is the
cleansing and purification needed in order to
tune your life to what God wants for you and
not what you want for yourself.
It is saying to God: Not my will, but Your
will, be done.
(*Born on Christmas Day 1766, Christmas Evans
is regarded as one of the greatest preachers in Wales.)

1000
Will You Join the Growing Ranks of the

Dear Friends of Circle of Care:

Anonymous CC & Anna Marie Crooch Fund
Anonymous John & Jamie Crooch
Anonymous Michael & Janet Crooch
Anonymous Philip & Lisa Crow
Anonymous Bobby & Shirley Darnell
Anonymous Marsha Davis
Anonymous Gregory & Mary Ann Edwards
Donald & Cheryl Baker Jo Fowler
Randy & Eddisu Barker Mike & Elaine Frizzell
Don and Lynn Batson Robert & Prudy Gorrell
Enloe & Wanda Baumert UMW of Grove-First UMC
David & Laura Beal George & Jo Hall
Clara Brown Rudolph & Madeline Hargrave
Spencer & Mary Brown Jr. Ralph & Linda Harker
Mary Butler Valerie Hatley
Ivan Bys Bishop Robert & Dee Hayes
Arlene Chriswell John & Anne Heaton
Ralph & Midge Coffman Billy & Ann Hebblethwaite
Randall & Kathryn Coit Jono & Jenny Helmerich
Lloyd Cole Jr. Highland Park UMC
Robert & Debbie Craine Leonard & Anna Lee Hinderliter
To make your pledge today, please call 405-530-2078
or visit our website at:
Jim & Mary Nell Holder
Ross & Jane Hutchinson
Robert & Ann Ivester
Mr. & Mrs. Ivan Keatley
Keith & Patricia Kennedy
Jean Key
Steve & Suzan Knight
Greg & Anita LaPat
Robert Lee
Bryan & Vicki Mannering
Dwight Maulding
Bob & Doris McKown
Billy & Lora Meade
Mike & Christy Mordy
David & Laura Morrison
Ted & Laura Mosteller
Chuck & DeeAnn Nordean
Bob & Peggy Peters
Lenert & Bobbie Pfeiler
Donald & Valerie Reeves
John & Helen Riley
Gary & Sharon Roth
Mike Self & Shannon Nakvinda
UMW of Shawnee-Wesley UMC
Arden & Rita Ruth Smith
Bill & Martha Smith
Craig Stinson & Krista Jones
Clark & Joy Struebing Sr.
Carolyn Taylor
Ken & June Tucker
J. M. & Patricia Vanderwiele Jr.
Kathy & Bob West
David & Suzan Wolf
Bill & Lissa Wright
Donald & Barbara Wright
Circle of Care Staff:
*OKC/Communications/
Pearl’s Hope
*UM Boys Ranch
*UM Children’s Home
*Independent Living
*Child SHARE
Every Sunday morning on my way to the choir room at church, I witness children
climbing all over Jesus. At the entry of our Children’s area, we have a beautiful larger-
than-life statue of our Lord. Isn’t it fabulous that this piece of art is designed to invite
interaction?
It is such a visual reminder to me of the importance of children in the eyes of
Christ. Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, Jesus says. And He
reminds us that whoever welcomes children in His name, welcomes Him.
Friends, since 1917, the Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care has provided
help, healing, and hope to at-risk children, youth, and families across our state. Circle
of Care is the United Methodist Boys Ranch and the United Methodist Children’s
Home, providing residential programs for teenagers. It is the David O. Beal Indepen-
dent Living Program, providing shelter and support for high school and college-aged
youth making the transition into adulthood. It is the Holsinger Home for Children, a
licensed foster home for large sibling groups. It is Pearl’s Hope, a transitional program
for homeless women and their children at the Frances E. Willard Home in Tulsa. It is
Child SHARE, recruiting and supporting foster families statewide.
In my role as Miss America so many years ago and my career as a broadcast
journalist, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the plight of too many children
without a future. I know that Circle of Care is making a difference.
Today, we are embarking on a new initiative to ensure that all these programs are
able to continue, and expand to meet the growing needs. It is called Project 1000.
We are seeking to recruit 1000 new donors who will each pledge $1,000 per year for
three years.
Project 1000 is an ambitious campaign that will allow Circle of Care to look ahead:
How many more Child SHARE foster families can be lifted up? How many more
youths can be served at the Boys Ranch, the Children’s Home, the Independent
Living Program? How many more families can be helped through Pearl’s Hope? How
many more lives can be forever changed?
Look at it this way: For only $19.23 per week, you can invest in the future. You
can help a child, a family. You can become one of the 1000. Won’t you join us?
In His name,

http://www.circleofcare.org/1000.html Jane Jayroe Gamble

Page 4A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 15, 2011

'God always smiles when we venture out of our comfort zones'

Urban prophet seeking new Christians

Evangelism
seminar series
opens with
Houston change agent
Open doors. That’s the excla-
mation point in our denomination’s
motto. (Open hearts. Open minds.
Open doors.) But Pastor Rudy
Rasmus said United Methodists
must do more than that.
We must lift those doors right
off their hinges.
“God always smiles when we
venture out of our comfort zones.
Be prepared to risk a little,” Rev.
Rasmus recently told more than
100 people attending the first
seminar in the “New Christians”
evangelism initiative for the Okla-
homa Conference.
The March 5 program was
hosted by OKC-Chapel Hill and
included workshops as well as the
keynote speaker.
Rasmus spoke with authority
about new Christians.
Because he has taken risks for
Christ, a once decrepit downtown
church in Houston, Texas, has
grown from nine people to 9,000.
Rasmus, the pastor, said 68 percent
of the new members at St. John’s
UMC have joined through profes-
sions of faith.
One of them was his father.
“Never trust preachers and
church people,” the father had
taught his young son. Yet Rasmus
married and began attending a
United Methodist church with his
wife.
“I sat on the pew for five years
not fully believing these people
were as serious as they seemed
‘What we live on the platform validates I am accepted for the folks
in the pew.’ —Rudy Rasmus
to be about how they loved each
other,” Rasmus said. Then he
joined a weekly men’s Bible study,
held at a restaurant.
“In 1990, I said yes to Jesus.”
In Rasmus’ third year as pas-
tor at St. John’s, his father began
attending the church. The seventh
year, “my dad came to Christ,”
Rasmus said. “He finally found a
preacher he trusted.”
Along with his father, many
others are entering St. John’s doors
and finding trustworthy people,
the pastor said. He urged other
churches to examine and act on
how they are perceived by the com-
munity. He pointed to research that
shows people believe in God but
are opting out on walking through
churches’ doors.
“It could be because of how
they perceive our truth,” Rasmus
said.
“You want young people in
your church? You’ve got to give
them a role in worship. It might
not look or sound like you want it
to look or sound, but what we live
on the platform validates for the
folks in the pew that I am accepted.
Jesus is saying, ‘Dude, that’s what
I had in mind.’
“You should want so much for
Photo by Michele Pitt
your friends, relatives, and others
to join you that you will go to great
lengths. You can’t be afraid. You
can’t decide how they are going
to smell or going to dress. Just say
come. That’s what Jesus did all
the time!”
Another way to say it: radical
hospitality.
Rasmus challenged each Unit-
ed Methodist to become more
compassionate — and each church
to become the place in the com-
munity where people in great pain
truly can find refuge.
He outlined three approaches
to outreach:
www.okumc.org/
NewChristians
n Find out more
online about
“New Christians,”
including a weekly
prayer schedule
and video prayers
by Bishop Hayes
n Future seminar dates:
May 14 in Broken Arrow
at Abiding Harvest UMC,
with main speaker
Bishop Scott Jones
of the Kansas Area.
Aug. 6 in Ardmore,
with main speaker
Elaine Heath.
• Be a church in the community.
• Be a church to the community.
• Be the church with the com-
munity.
Rasmus said, “With is Christ
incarnate in the community. That’s
when we decide what’s in our
building is only important to the
people outside who need Jesus—
and that’s everybody.”
The two-year “New Christians”
effort is coordinated by about 150
people who comprise the Evange-
lism Task Group of the Oklahoma
Conference’s Discipleship Min-
istry Team. Bob Pierson of Tulsa
chairs the task force.

Save the date Opportunities Appointments

Business Manager/Administrative Senior High Minister: Part-time. Reed Montgomery to
n Historical n Oklahoma Conference Coordinator: OKC-First UMC, Staff Par- Special Angels (Special Needs) Direc- retirement from OKC-
Convocation Cooperative Schools ish Relations Committee, 405-239-6493, tor: Part-time. Tulsa-Faith UMC, Heather Linwood UMC (South
of the United of Christian Mission sprc@firstchurchokc.com. Scherer, hscherer@faithtulsa.org, 918- OKC District), effective
Methodist Bookkeeper/Accountant: Full-time. 252-1679. Dec. 31, 2010.
July 22-24
Church Nichols Hills UMC, Randy Scraper, Director of Children’s Ministry: Full- Marvin Hudson to vol-
(Friday evening-Sunday noon) rscraper@nicholshillsumc.org.
July 21-24 time. Tulsa-Faith UMC, Chris Tabberer, untary leave from Shaw-
July 25 (One Day Plus) Music Director: Will Rogers UMC, ctabberer@faithtulsa.org. nee-Wesley UMC (South
(Thursday-Sunday)
Oklahoma City
All classes on Monday. Bob Johns, 1138 S. Yale, Tulsa, OK 74112, Director: Full-time. Wesley Founda- OKC), effective Jan. 1.
Optional on Sunday evening: 918-834-0891, bjohns@willrogersumc.org.
University tion at Northeastern State University in
enrichment sessions and plenary. Craig Denslow to
Accompanist: Part-time. Tulsa-Trinity Tahlequah. Carla Robison, crobison@
Open to 3 studies: Haiti. Joy to the World! UMC, Shelly Coulter, shellycoul@yahoo. crosstel.net. Leave of Absence from
all interested
Forgiveness and Reconciliation. com, 918-743-8911. Children’s Ministries Director: Okmulgee-First UMC
in church history
and preservation
Classes for all ages.
Director of youth Ministries: Full- Part-time. Norman-St. Stephen’s UMC, (Muskogee), effective
One study in Spanish. April 1.
of records time. Wagoner UMC, Shannon Davis, ststephensumc@coxinet.net.
CONTACT: Archivist Location: Oklahoma City University sdavis@wagonerfumc.org. Children’s Ministry Intern: May 15- Marvin Hudson from
(Oklahoma United Methodist Hall)
Christina Wolf, 405- Director of youth Ministries: Part- Aug. 15. St. Mark’s UMC, 8140 N.W. 36th leave of absence to Ok-
208-5919 CONTACT: Dean Ann Marie Boyce time. Tulsa-New Haven UMC, info@ St., Bethany, OK 73008, 405-789-9033, mulgee-First UMC, effec-
boycean@tulsaschools.org newhavenumc.org, 918-743-6491. children@stmarksbethany.org. tive April 1.
Page 5A
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 15, 2011

Shorter sessions widen reach for addiction program

In June, a new option will expand access to the compre-
hensive education gained in the Summer School on Chemical
Dependency.
Learning mod- n Summer School
ules are being intro- on Chemical Dependency
duced, to accommo- June 19-30
date people unable to Oklahoma City University
attend the traditional www.addictionministries.org
12-day school. An-
nette Harper, Oklahoma Conference director of Addiction
Ministries, recently provided details.
The 2011 Summer School will be held June 19-30 at
Oklahoma City University.
That schedule will be subdivided into three shorter ses-
sions. People may choose to attend only Module I this year,
and then complete Modules II and III in following years.
A student also may enroll in two of the three modules.
Module I is a prerequisite for II and III.
“We’re trying to accommodate everybody’s needs,” Harp-
er said. “There are people who just can’t give up 12 days.”
The school—and Module I—begin at 6:30 p.m. June 19. On
weekdays, “you are there from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” Harper said.
• Module I concludes at noon June 22.
• Module II: from 1 p.m. June 22 to noon June 25.
• Module III: from 5:30 p.m. June 26 to 4:30 p.m. June 29.
The program is open to both clergy and laity, and classes
are in the OCU Meinders School of Business. Housing for
participants is available in Oklahoma United Methodist Hall,
the newest dorm at OCU. Harper noted another program
change this year permits students to stay off-campus.
The Summer School on Chemical Dependency offers
clergy and laity an opportunity to understand the addictive
mind, the spiritual dynamics of addiction, and the impact
chemical dependency has on faith communities.
Harper said one affirmation pervades in past student
evaluations: It changed my ministry.
Summer School seeks to address addictive behaviors Two Conference groups—the Commission on
within congregations, Harper explained, recognizing that the Religion & Race (CORR) and Addiction Minis-
disease of addiction is a spiritual issue. tries—combined efforts to present an educational
“Spiritual leaders can be better equipped to offer hope and workshop about chemical dependency, held
healing if they recognize the nature of the addictive mind and March 5 at OKC-Quayle church. Shown are some
how it affects us all,” she said. of the participants in “Back to God,” designed to
She urged training for laity as well “because the pastor help groups begin outreach on addiction issues.
can’t be everywhere, and pastors move.”
The school is an in-depth educational program in a safe Education Credits (CEUs). Students who complete the full
environment, Harper emphasized, not a therapy group or a school earn 80 CEUs; Module I, 20; Modules II and III, 25.
simulated treatment center. Curriculum involves lectures, Registration fee is based on credit hours. Early-bird dis-
group processing, visits to 12-Step programs, and building count ends April 30. A new grant is providing full scholar-
a network of resources. ships for ethnic minority participants. Register online: www.
Clergy and mental health professionals earn Continuing addictionministries.org.

Among headliners
Archives
at the Church
& Society event:
& History
Chrislyn Sperry, at
right, who advocates
resources
against domestic
violence; and author
now on Web
Tony Campolo, far
right. (www.okumc.
National meeting
org/Church_Society) here in July

Photos by Dee Ann Nordean Planning to celebrate your

church’s anniversary? Researching

C&S program urges Methodism in Oklahoma?

A Web presence recently was
activated by the Oklahoma Confer-

working for justice ence’s Commission on Archives &

“Before you can talk about social justice,
you have to follow Jesus.”
That’s how Tony Campolo began the first
of two presentations to nearly 130 participants
at the Retreat on Social Justice, held March
11-12 at Canyon Camp. The event drew Okla-
homans of several denominations, and it was
sponsored by the Oklahoma Conference’s
Board of Church & Society and Peace With
Justice Committee.
Rev. Dr. Campolo is the author of more than
35 books and an internationally recognized
media commentator on religious, social, and
political issues.
The 24-hour retreat offered growth, reflec-
tion, and dialogue on some key social issues.
“The conversations were real and particularly
relevant to what’s happening all around us,”
said one participant.
Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. added his passion-
ate voice to the gathering as preacher for the
opening worship experience.
On Saturday morning, Jim Winkler, who is
general secretary of the denomination’s General
Board of Church & Society, highlighted op-
portunities for everyone to be engaged socially
and politically.
“To seek justice is part of witnessing on
behalf of Jesus Christ,” he emphasized.
As chief executive of the General Board,
Winkler leads in the implementation of The
United Methodist Church’s Social Principles
through education, witness, and advocacy. The
board carries out a wide-ranging ministry of
peace and justice throughout the world. Offices
are in the nation’s capital and New York City.
Winkler said there is a misconception about
what the Church can and cannot do. “We can
hold forums, discuss political issues, take
petitions to the Capitol. We can even have
candidates speak. However, we can’t endorse
a particular candidate. We can’t do political
fundraising and cannot espouse a United Meth-
odist candidate above all others,” he explained.
Winker’s morning address effectively laid
the foundation for the day’s workshops, on top-
ics ranging from restorative justice to immigra-
tion, gambling, and “Caring for Creation.” Each
workshop offered information and encouraged
participants to engage each issue from the per-
spective of faith and social justice.
Still, at the heart of the weekend were
Campolo’s addresses, which most appropriately
framed the event’s theme—“Social Holiness:
On Earth as It Is in Heaven”—within current
realities of ministering to those who are poor.
A member of the American Baptist Church,
Campolo describes himself as “an evangelical
with a social conscience.”
He said, “Social justice is nothing more than
love translated into public policy.”
He challenged the group to take seriously
the task of ministry to “the least and the last,”
and reminded his audience that there are more
than 2,000 Scripture references to ministry
with the poor.
“We must move from being a believer to be-
ing a disciple,” he said, “an imitator of Christ,”
who called all to care about the needs of the
poor. And when that call seems hard to fulfill, he
pointed modern disciples to Jesus’ resurrection,
proclaiming, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.”
The retreat was the first of what is hoped to
be ongoing social justice education developed
by the Conference’s Board of Church & Society.
History. The address: www.okumc.
org/Archives_History.
You will find help there from mul-
tiple resources: Q&A for churches’
historians, suggestions to celebrate
milestone moments, guidelines to
pursue official recognition for his-
toric sites, and more. You can connect
to Oklahoma’s Methodist archives,
which are housed at the Oklahoma
City University library.
The website also offers details
about a special July event in Okla-
homa. The commission, chaired by
Jerry Gill of Stillwater, is hosting
meetings and the convocation of the
General Commission on Archives &
History and the denomination's His-
torical Society. Dates are July 21-24.
The archives’ newly upgraded
space at OCU will be on display.
Renovations include climate-con-
trolled, energy-efficient systems. A
soft opening will be conducted dur-
ing National Library Week, which
starts April 11, reported Christina
Wolf, Conference archivist.
Page 6A
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Josh Pulver named new manager at Camp Egan
Newsmakers
As a youth, Josh Pulver often
stayed at Camp Egan, especially
during the week of Tulsa District
Camp in summertime. Now he is
making his home there.
On April 4, Pulver began his
new job as Camp Egan’s manager;
Dave Perrin is retiring.
Pulver relishes being outdoors
and spent lots of time in his forma-
Pulver
tive years at all three Oklahoma
Conference camp facilities. The manager’s post feels
“like something God was pushing me toward from the
very beginning,” he said.
While a student at Oklahoma State University, he
worked at Canyon Camp one summer.
Chissoe leads Conference UMMen
Bill Chissoe of Norman is the
new Conference president of United
Methodist Men (UMMen). He be-
gan his term in January.
“I see men’s ministry in our
United Methodist churches as very
vital and important,” said Chissoe.
“I’ve grown to appreciate what can
happen when men get together and
have goals. A larger group can ac- Chissoe
complish a lot.”
In the 1990s, Chissoe was key in restarting UMMen
at McFarlin UMC. At the time, he was the Norman
church’s Lay Leader. He also has been the Conference
director of Lay Speaking Ministries. The Chissoes began
attending McFarlin UMC in 1966.
He wanted men of the church to form a service group
with emphasis on helping the elderly. And he knew the
UM Book of Discipline requires each church to have a
chapter of UMMen. (The same is required for United
Methodist Women.)
McFarlin UMMen relaunched with a half-dozen
men and the pastor’s encouragement. They contacted
the county agency on aging. Across the years, they have
delivered food, mowed lawns, built wheelchair ramps,
and repaired problem windows and doors.
They connected with other UMMen, including those
at Sunny Lane UMC in Del City, through a “potato
drop,” a feeding project coordinated with the Society
of St. Andrew. The men embraced the Society’s work
to combat hunger—Chissoe even found additional food
sources at the local farmers market.
“That’s the way men relate. You don’t set around
Oklahoman contributing on national UM camping level
Two directors represent all camp-
ing ministries in the denomination’s
South Central Jurisdiction. One of
them is Andre Stravlo of Edmond,
Camps’ administrative assistant for
the Oklahoma Conference.
Earlier this year she was elected
to the four-year post, which also
means service on an even wider Stravlo
scope. She becomes a member of
the Board of Directors for the National UM Camp and
Retreat Committee.
More than 200 UM camp facilities annually serve
almost 1 million people. The Oklahoma Conference
operates three camps.
Stravlo joined the Conference Camps staff in
“That’s the summer it became apparent to me that
camping was what I wanted to be doing,” he said. “More
than a passion—a ministry.”
So Pulver majored in Leisure Studies. For five years,
he worked as director of chapters and external relations
for the OSU Alumni Association. This month, the OSU
College of Education presents him with the Rising Star
Award, which honors a recent graduate who demon-
strates leadership both in the community and on campus.
Pulver performed as Pistol Pete, the OSU mascot,
for two years, and he has been an announcer for high
school- and college-level sports.
His father, a grandfather, and a brother-in-law are
UM clergymen. At Stillwater-First UMC, Josh Pulver
has been the church’s lay delegate to Annual Conference
for four years and served on several committees. He was
the table,” Chissoe commented. “While you’re fishing,
hammering nails, playing a round of golf, you’re talk-
ing about stuff.”
A leadership team now steers McFarlin UMMen.
Chissoe wants to see that strong group mirrored in
units across Oklahoma. “My goal is to bring men to-
gether so they understand they are part of a larger body,
and let God do His thing,” he said.
“When men come together, iron sharpens iron in
Christian fellowship and community. Not only can they
minister to others, but also they minister to each other.
It impacts the men’s lives even more—they grow in
their discipleship.”
First steps for Chissoe in the new post included con-
necting with five districts’ UMMen presidents (seven
districts have no such leader) and attending a national
meeting of annual conference UMMen presidents.
“I have a very strong support group,” Chissoe said.
David Battles, Oklahoma City, is Conference UM-
Men’s treasurer, and Warren Neff, Bartlesville, is vice
president. Carl Young, Oklahoma City, is a president of
the national United Methodist Men’s Foundation, and
Battles is a member. Joseph Harris, Oklahoma City,
former General Secretary of the denomination’s Com-
mission on UMMen, serves as staff consultant.
In July at Wichita, Kan., a jurisdiction-wide UMMen’s
event is scheduled. Chissoe hopes an Oklahoma Confer-
ence contingent will attend.
Contact the new president at: 405-329-0271, 405-
550-4744, or williamchissoe@cox.net.
“I’d love to hear from people,” he said. “Each of us
are called and given gifts to contribute to the Body of
Christ. I am about that connection.”
January 2008. Her efforts were key in establishing the
Single-Parent Family Gatherings; three such camps are
planned this summer. Also a single mom, Stravlo has
three children.
Her new duties will include retreat planning for the
jurisdiction’s Camps leaders—the 2012 event will be at
Camp Egan in eastern Oklahoma. In 2009, the national
board met at Canyon Camp.
Stravlo said she will work diligently to encourage at-
tendance at these events. Much work is accomplished in
virtual meetings, but face-to-face opportunities greatly
benefit Camps staff, managers, board members, and
others in the field, she attests.
“Bonds get created across the United States,” she
said. “People share tips and uplift each other. It’s inspir-
ing and makes you think critically in your ministry.”
April 15, 2011
an adult volunteer for JEM and CYME camps. He is a
member of the Oklahoma Conference Board of Laity.
He relishes welcoming campers to Egan. “I’d love
to see Egan busy every day of the year, serving as many
groups as possible.”
First steps for the new manager will be further edu-
cating himself by meeting with camp staff and the other
managers. And he likely will hike up the steep path to
the cross, among his favorite places at Egan.
“For me, it’s symbolic that it’s a journey to get to
the cross,” Pulver said. “You have to stop to take your
breath along the way. But you keep going.
“How can I see myself living ‘in the wilderness’? I
answer that with one word: faith. I’m fully trusting this
is where I need to be. God will provide everything I
need, and I will be comforted in that.”
Jonathan Powell, left, and Tom Tharpe
Hospital honors Powell
for help in medical crisis
Jonathan Powell of Oklahoma City was named the
2010 Heart Hero, announced Feb. 11 by Oklahoma Heart
Hospital South during national Heart Month.
Powell provided CPR that saved a man’s life on
March 21, 2010.
That day, 57-year-old Tom Tharpe was working in an
Edmond warehouse. He suddenly became overheated,
felt lightheaded and nauseated, then fainted. Working
nearby, Powell and a friend saw Tharpe fall.
Powell, 25, who learned CPR years earlier as a Boy
Scout, ran to Tom’s side as the friend called 911. Pow-
ell quickly assessed Tharpe and started compressions,
continuing them for several minutes—until emergency
medical responders arrived. The paramedics used a
defibrillator to shock Tharpe’s heart back into action.
He was hospitalized for four days.
The CPR by Powell had kept blood and oxygen
moving through Tharpe’s body to keep him alive. A
year later, the man said he is thankful to the former
Boy Scout for knowing what to do and for having the
courage to step in and help.
“It’s really important to put others first whenever you
can and to not be afraid to do that, because the rest of it
will get taken care of,” Powell said upon accepting the
Oklahoma Heart Hero award.
He is the son of Dave and Beverly Powell, a United
Methodist deacon and chaplain at Mercy Health Center.
Page 7A
Safe Sanctuaries class
for 3 districts
On May 7, Pryor United Methodist
Church will host Tri-District Safe Sanctuar-
ies Training for congregations in the Musk-
ogee, Bartlesville, and Tulsa Districts.
The training is free and will be from 1 to
5 p.m. that Saturday. Diana Northcutt will
be facilitator. Each participant will receive
a Safe Sanctuaries Training certificate of
completion.
The denomination requires all churches
to comply with Safe Sanctuaries policies.
This training is for all those who work with
children, youths, or vulnerable adults. Thus
includes Sunday School teachers and helpers,
Vacation Bible School personnel, workers
and teachers in youth ministry and senior
adult ministries, leaders of United Method-
ist Women and UMMen, and Volunteers In
Mission, among others.
All such personnel need to complete the
training, and some churches may have further
questions about the policies and compliance.
Confirm your plans to attend by contact-
ing Pryor UMC, 918-825-0346, pryorfumc@
sbcglobal.net. Pastor Rob Harris said your
advance notice will help the planning team.
“We’re located on the east end of down-
town,” he noted.
Mitchell named director of
pensions/personnel
Stephen Mitchell of Norman is new direc-
tor of pensions/personnel in the Oklahoma
Conference Treasurer’s Office. He began his
duties on Feb. 1.
He can be contact-
ed at 405-530-2063 or
smitchell@okumc.org.
His professional ca-
reer has included work at
two banks and as general
manager of a golf club.
He holds a bachelor’s
degree in business from
Mitchell
Oklahoma State Univer-
sity, where he majored in finance, with an
emphasis on commercial bank management.
Mitchell also brings to the job personal
knowledge about United Methodism. He is
a “PK” (preacher’s kid); his father, Randy
Mitchell, is pastor at Bixby-First UMC. His
maternal grandfather and great-grandfather
also were preachers.
Along with his new job, he is a new dad.
Julia Lucille was born March 28 to Suzanne
and Stephen Mitchell.
Marriage Encounter
program this month
A Marriage Encounter retreat for UM
clergy and their spouses will be held April 28-
30 at Hilton Garden Inn, Richardson, Texas.
“Enrich Your Marriage” is theme. The
Texas-Oklahoma Area of Marriage En-
counter is affiliated with the General Board
of Discipleship. For reservations, contact
Mickey and Linda Wheeler, jamesw3681@
aol.com, 972-594-0232, or sign up at www.
encounter.org.
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Briefly
Media Library
The Media Library has available help-
ful educational resources for adult study.
To check-out these DVDs, contact Amelia
Ballew, Media Library coordinator, at
aballew@okumc.org or 405-530-2075.
n A Life Worthy of the Gospel: An In-
troduction to Christian Ethics. This Wesley
Ministry Network series features six DVD
lessons by Sondra Wheeler, professor of
Christian ethics at Wesley Theological Semi-
nary in Washington, D.C.
n CyberSafety for Families. By Paul
O’Briant. This kit trains parents and other
concerned adults in ways to keep children
and teens safe online.
n Several movies and documentaries
about immigration: Entre Nos, Sin Nombre,
The Visitor, Farmingville, God Grew Tired
of Us, and Made in L.A.
See full descriptions of materials at:
www.okumc.org/resource_find.asp.
Reservations due
for global event
Deadline is April 18 to reserve travel with
the Oklahoma delegation to the World Meth-
odist Conference. The gathering of people
who share in the Methodist faith heritage
will be Aug. 2-14 in Durban, South Africa.
The Oklahoma Conference has negotiated
special arrangements that will enable our
representatives to register as one group, fly
and stay together in one place, and go on a
safari after the event concludes. Coordinators
are Joseph Harris, assistant to the bishop,
and Jeremy Basset, VIM director, whose
homeland is South Africa.
Find out more at www.okumc.org. Direct
questions to Dr. Harris at: jharris@okumc.
org, 405-530-2077.
Ecumenical retreat
at Wickline for women
Christian musician Jami Smith and
Christian author Rene Gutteridge headline
an ecumenical women’s retreat June 3-4 at
Wickline UMC in Midwest City.
Wickline’s women are hosting the event,
open to all females of junior-high school
age and older.
Theme is “Women Gone Wild for Jesus.”
Call the church, 405-732-0356, or click the
link online at www.wicklineumc.org.
2 deacons re-certify
Two deacons have been re-certified as
UM professionals in specialized ministry,
reported Suzanne Davis, an official of the
Oklahoma Conference’s Board of Ordained
Ministry.
The General Council on Finance &
Administration confirmed Brian Bakeman
and Phil Greenwald completed the neces-
sary steps to continue as Certified Church
Business Administrators. Re-certification is
required every four years.
Rev. Bakeman is treasurer of the Okla-
homa Conference. Rev. Greenwald is an
associate pastor at OKC-St. Luke’s.
April 15, 2011
Free event in June
for clergy/spouses
Attendance is free at a retreat designed for UM clergy
and their spouses who have been in ministry 10 years
or less.
The event will be June 7-9 at Greystone Estate in
Rogers, Ark. With the exception of travel expenses, all
costs—including lodging and meals—are covered by
an anonymous donor couple. The Soderquist Center
provides leadership.
Oklahoma clergy couples who have attended the re-
treat in previous years include Jeff and Adriane Jaynes,
Mike and Sonja Tobey, Kyle and Debbie Clark, David
and Beverly Powell, David and Susan Mingus, Carter
Denton and Gloria McGee-Denton, Mark and Sandy
Shepherd, and George and Geneva Rowe.
“Coming from a career of over 30 years in business
management, I have participated in many training oppor- Scraps, a raccoon puppet,
tunities,” said Rev. George Rowe. “The RENEW Mar- and Jane Roul of Cokes-
riage Retreat was one of the best learning experiences.” bury cook up ideas for the
“It was refreshing to attend an event aimed at being “Shake It Up Café,” a Va-
fully committed to Christ, call, and spouse. And it was cation Bible School curric-
nice to be on the receiving end of radical hospitality and ulum for 2011. They were
agape love,” said Rev. McGee-Denton. both in Oklahoma City
for the recent opening of
Rev. Beverly Powell said, “It was a surprise and
a blessing that our second most important relation- the Christian bookstore
ship—that with spouse—was emphasized, supported, at 7005 N. May. A Cokes-
and cultivated there. We left feeling rested, affirmed and bury regional manager,
stronger together.” Roul is from Des Moines,
To register, contact Rev. Sonja Tobey, 918-225-5683, Iowa. The VBS café theme
revsonja@hotmail.com Find more information at www. is subtitled: “Where Kids
soderquist.org/renew. Carry Out God’s Recipe.”
Epworth Villa and Quality Life Hospice
Dedicated to Improving Quality of Life
Through our new
partnership with Quality
Life Hospice, Epworth
Villa is committed to
expanding its ministry
beyond the borders of our
beautiful 40-acre campus.
Our professional, compas-
sionate and understanding
staff take pride in paying
close attention to the
individual needs of each
hospice patient and their
family members.
Please contact us for additional information about our not-for-profit hospice,
serving the needs of those living in central Oklahoma. Volunteer opportunities
available.
For more information about hospice
care, or to schedule a consultation visit,
call 405.767.9033.
20th
A n nive r s a r y
Enhancing Lives So People Thrive
Epworth Villa is a not-for-profit, accredited retirement community related to the
Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Quality Life Hospice is fully accredited by the Community Health Accreditation
Program, certified by Medicare, and licensed by the state of Oklahoma.
Page 8A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 15, 2011

Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation insights

Why do I need a plan?

F ailure to plan may
result in accidental
disinheritance. Accidental
Sometimes other consid-
erations need to be made re-
garding your estate plan. It is Dale Levy joins
disinheritance occurs when important to appoint a guard-
you die without a will or your ian who, upon your death, can
Foundation staff
will does not function prop-
erly. You risk harming those
you love and subjecting your
take physical custody of and
care for your minor children
or children with special needs.
T he Foundation welcomes
its newest staff member,
Dale Levy, as a planned giv-
estate to needless tax. If you are no longer able ing officer. Dale will work with
Because failure to plan to manage your finances or churches in the eastern part of
leads to this great risk, most property or later wish to have the state to implement a wills
people need to make a plan someone else manage your program or campaign.
for the future of their estates. property, a durable power of Every year, a staggering num-
There are several options for attorney will give the person ber of people die without a will
that planning. you select the legal authority or proper estate planning. With
A will is a written docu- to buy, sell, and manage your Dale’s efforts, the Foundation
ment that permits you to state assets. Also, a durable power hopes to better educate church
how you want your property of attorney for healthcare al- members about the importance of
or estate distributed, name lows you to select a person Levy having a will and using it as a tool
an executor (also called a who can assist your doctors in to remember the church.
personal representative) to making healthcare decisions if Dale has worked in nonprofit fundraising and planned
distribute your property, pay you become unable to act on giving for nearly four decades, including many years at
debts and taxes, and handle your own behalf. World Neighbors in Oklahoma City. The organizations he has
other business affairs to settle The Oklahoma United served range from foundations and social services agencies,
your estate. Methodist Foundation’s Christian Guide to planning your to centers for the arts and higher education.
If you own property, you may wish to set up a living trust. Will and Trust can help you with all of these options and Dale and his wife, Linda, are members of Bartlesville-
It may be set up during life and directs where your assets go. more. Call the Foundation at 800-259-6863 to request your First United Methodist Church. They have two children and
Unlike a will, a trust will not subject your estate to probate. copy today. five grandchildren.

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

Countdown to Annual Conference

Delegate elections take place Monday

(Last of a series)
By JOSEpH HARRIS
Annual Conference Secretary
All voting is scheduled for Monday,
May 30, to elect Oklahoma Confer-
ence’s delegates to the 2012 Gen-
eral/Jurisdictional Conferences of
The United Methodist Church.
At the OCU Freede Center, the
first ballot vote will take place early in the
afternoon business session, which opens at
2 p.m. After the supper break, balloting will
resume, at 6:30 p.m.
The evening business session is solely
dedicated to the elections.
Digital voting machines will be used,
providing almost instant results. Handheld
voting devices were used at the 2007 Annual
Conference. The newer, upgraded machines
use small cards, similar to the memory cards
used in digital cameras.
For General Conference, nine clergy
and nine lay delegates will be elected. An
additional nine clergy and nine laity will
be chosen to complete the Jurisdictional
Conference delegation. Also, four clergy
and four lay alternates will be elected. The
full delegation will total 44 people.
Voting cards and machines:
Each Annual Conference delegate will
receive a voting card at registration. Each
May 29-June 1 at
OKC-St. Luke’s UMC
& Oklahoma City
University
person is respon-
sible for securing his/
her card.
All voting machines
will be distributed within the
Freede Center arena and will remain there.
One voting machine will be shared by two
voters: one clergyperson and one layperson.
The district superintendents and district
tellers will respond to any equipment prob-
lems, including requests to replace lost cards.
Voting cards are collected on Wednesday.
Practice online now
or hands-on May 30:
n An instructional video, titled “Voting
Device Demo,” is available now at www.
OurChurchVideos.com/okumc. All Annual
Conference delegates are encouraged to view
it before attending the conference.
n At Annual Conference, voluntary
voting practice will be offered between
noon and 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 30, in the
Freede Center.
Voting procedures:
n Voters will be seated by districts. A
seating chart is posted online; follow the link
titled “Information for Annual Conference”
on the homepage: www.okumc.org.
n Clergy and laity will sit in pairs,
to share voting machines. Following the
instructions of the Annual Conference sec-
retary and the bishop, voters will alternate
using the machines.
n Lay voters choose the lay delegates,
and clergy voters choose the clergy repre-
sentatives. Each nominee will be assigned a
three-digit number.
n Voting will be on a slate basis, as in past
years. (On the first ballot, for example, laity
will vote for nine lay nominees, and clergy
will vote for nine clergy names.)
you must vote correctly on each full
slate or your entire ballot will be invalid
for that round. (On the first ballot, for
example, the voter must enter nine eligible
three-digit numbers. If you enter only eight
numbers, or an ineligible number, such action
will invalidate your entire ballot.)
n The results of the first ballot will be
printed and distributed by the tellers before
adjournment for the evening meal.
This list will contain the names of
those nominees who receive five or more
votes—up to 60 clergy and up to 60 laity.
This handout will be a useful reference for
subsequent balloting.
n Materials about write-in lay nominees
will not be distributed unless authorized by
Craig Stinson.
n Tellers and district superintendents
have been trained and are prepared to assist
with your questions about any voting issues
that may occur.
n A church’s Alternate Annual Confer-
ence Delegate must get authorization and
a separate voting card to be activated as a
voter. The alternate must get authorization
from that district’s superintendent and then
go to the registration desk to get the card.
Voting on other matters:
The elections are important but do not
comprise all the action of the Annual Confer-
ence. The digital voting equipment also will
be useful throughout the meeting to enhance
the efficiency of decision-making on other
business.
Prior to the meeting, Annual Confer-
ence delegates will receive mailed copies of
the Pre-Conference Workbook, containing
reports of ministry by the Oklahoma Con-
ference’s committees, agencies, institutions,
and other related entities. The resource also
will be online.
Annual Conference participants are en-
couraged to review all advance materials, to
prepare fully in mind as well as heart, for this
major yearly gathering of Oklahoma United
Methodists.