Contact, an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A • 039000 • Volume 156, Number 51 • April 23, 2010

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

www.okumc.org

2010 Annual
Conference
Sunday evening—
Opening Worship
May 30-June 2 (Memorial Service
and Holy Communion)
(Sunday-Wednesday)
Monday evening—
Service of Commissioning

Tulsa-Boston Avenue Tuesday 11 a.m.—

Retirement Worship Service
United Methodist Church
Tuesday evening—
Service of Ordination

Wednesday 4 p.m.—
Sending Forth

More Annual
Conference news,
pages 4-5A

Summer camping

O
District Camps: Some of the Specialty Camps:
utdoor adventures Bartlesville District Camp June 7-11 Egan JEM Camp June 7-11 Canyon
beckon children and Ardmore District June 7-11 Cross Point Widerness Camp June 10-16 Canyon
youths to three United Clinton/Enid/Woodward Jr. High June 14-18 Canyon New Day Discovery June 11-13 Cross Point
Methodist camp sites in June and Tulsa District Sr. High June 14-18 Egan New Day I June 14-18 Cross Point
July. Some of the upcoming camps Stillwater/McAlester June 21-25 Egan CYME June 28-July 2 Cross Point
are listed here. Find out more North & South OKC July 5-9 Canyon New Day II July 12-16 Cross Point
online at www.okumcministries. Muskogee July 5-9 Egan Dayspring West July 19-23 Canyon
org/Camps and in the 28-page Tulsa District Jr. High July 12-16 Egan Dayspring Central July 19-23 Egan
“Summer Camps 2010” informa- Lawton District July 19-23 Cross Point Young Adult Camp July 30-Aug. 2 Cross Point
tion book. More Camps news, Clinton/Enid/Woodward Sr. High July 26-30 Canyon Dayspring South July 26-30 Cross Point
page 8A. Single-Parent Family Aug. 13-15 Egan
Single-Parent Family Aug. 20-22 Cross Point
The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, TX 75247. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas.
Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275.
Page 2A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 23, 2010

Platters tribute group to help

Save the date:
Summer School
on Chemical Dependency
(A program of
Oklahoma Conference
Addiction Ministries)
June 13-24
Oklahoma City University
Register by May 1
Scholarships available
405-530-2010
addictionministries@okumc.org
Lay Leaders Focus Day set at Tulsa-Asbury
Tulsa-Asbury UMC will host the annual Lay cussions with challenging questions and informa-
Leader Focus Day on May 1. tion helpful to you as leaders in your local church,”
This free program, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers said Chuck Stewart, an associate Conference Lay
learning, sharing, and networking with churches’ Leader. “The afternoon session will unpack the re-
lay leaders from across Oklahoma Conference. All sponsibilities of the lay leader and the ways to build
interested laity are welcome and also are encouraged relationships that make a difference within your
to include their pastors. The Board of Laity sponsors congregation.”
the event. For more information, contact your District Lay
“The morning will be a time of roundtable dis- Leader or Stewart, twocstewartranch@yahoo.com.
Tulsa-Wesley mark 100 years
On May 1 and 2 in Tulsa, Wesley
UMC will mark its 100th anniversary
by focusing forward. Many of the
centennial activities will be centered
on young people, Pastor Chris Beach
explained.
Musical performances by The
World Famous Platters top the
schedule.
n In a benefit concert Saturday
night, the Platters tribute group will
perform at Asbury UMC’s Venue 68,
located at 6910 S. 101st East Ave.
Tickets must be ordered in advance.
Proceeds will fund Wesley
church’s new outreach efforts in
the North Tulsa community. Among
those are: KidsCare! Summer Lead-
ership Academy, Wesley 10 Com-
mandments Pizza Palace, a basketball
program, Wesley Ice Cream Truck
Outreach, a September community
block party, a community garden, and
Wesley Senior Salvation House.
Doris Colbert is the church’s
youth outreach director, and Debo-
rah Eastman chairs the anniversary
The World Famous Platters
committee. “The new outreaches de-
veloped for children will help instill
in them positive attitudes, spiritual
growth, a sense of unity, and leader-
ship skills,” Colbert said.
n On Sunday, the musical group
will perform gospel songs during the
11 a.m. worship at Wesley church,
2750 N. Cincinnati.
At both venues, Wesley church’s
work with children and families of
the community will be featured in
video and brochure formats.
The church, informally known
as Wesley Chapel Praise & Worship
Center, was formed in 1910 and re-
built after it burned in Tulsa’s 1921
race riots. For more information:
www.wesleyministrycenter.org.

Youth Service Day bustles with volunteers

Many observers have noted that this gen-
eration of young persons finds great fulfill-
ment in serving others. They learn about their
faith by putting it into action. That theory was
on display on March 6 when young United
Methodists from across the state came to the
Oklahoma City University campus for Youth
Service Day, a day of fun, food, and service.
A host of students and university staff
pitched in to welcome 127 young people and
adults, who represented 15 churches. Some
volunteers conducted tours of the campus,
and others led games on the lawn in the
center of the campus. For the second year in
a row, OCU senior Tasha Sargent, a religion
major and Bishop’s Scholar, coordinated the
event for the Wesley Center, the UM campus
ministry at OCU.
Groups also were deployed to service
sites around Oklahoma City. They engaged
in a wide variety of tasks, including cleaning
During a pantomime of biblical stories, participants at Youth Service Day at OKC-Crown Heights United Methodist
portray Daniel in the lion’s den.
Church, washing vans used by OKC-Penn Av-
enue Redemption UMC, painting at Linwood
Elementary school, and filling plastic Easter
eggs for the Circle of Care.
Upon their return from the project sites,
the groups were invited to enjoy a meal in the
OCU cafeteria. Everyone then gathered in the
chapel for worship, featuring a praise band.
Adam Shahan delivered a challenging sermon.
He is the pastor of Lexington UMC and an
OCU senior majoring in religion. Officiating
for Holy Communion was clergywoman Jen-
nifer Long, OCU director of Religious Life.
All the planning and behind-the-scenes
work provided a great opportunity for spiritual
refreshment and community, planners agreed.
“The day was a big success,” Sargent noted.
“We got a lot of good work done and helped
out a lot of schools, churches, and nonprofits
in Oklahoma City. I’m incredibly grateful for
all the OCU student volunteers and for all the
youth groups who came.”

Baroness Emma Nicholson to speak in chapel

OCU is honored to welcome Baroness She is a former member of the British
Emma Nicholson as the speaker April 29 in House of Commons and the European Parlia-
the final chapel service of the school year. ment and now serves in the House of Lords.
Her presentation will be at 1 p.m. that She is respected as a tireless humanitarian
Thursday in the Bishop W. Angie Smith who works primarily for the rights of women
Chapel. and children.
The Oklahoma United Methodist
Phone: 405-530-2075
Fax: 405-530-2093
To subscribe, send mailing information
1501 N.W. 24th and $15 to our address at left.
Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Moving? Send change by mail or e-mail: aballew@okumc.org.
Baroness Nicholson is the founder and Since 2002, she has served as the World
executive chairperson of AMAR Interna- Health Organization (WHO) envoy on
tional Charitable Foundation, which works
Health, Peace, and Development.
to improve education, provide medicine, and
meet basic needs of refugees in Lebanon A reception and question time will follow
and Iraq. the chapel service. Everyone is invited.
Robert E. Hayes Jr., bishop Nyla Wallin, administrative assistant/video coordinator
Joseph Harris, director of communications Alicia Galyon, Web ministry/graphics design
Holly McCray, editor Amelia Ballew, The Media Center
Sign up online for Contact Digest, a free electronic newsletter. Find information at www.okumc.org.
Send news to editor@okumc.org. Next publication date: May 14.
 Page 3A
Setting the record straight
“Politics: Activities associated with
­government.” (Encarta World English Dictionary)
By Bishop Robert Hayes Jr.
I
seldom use this space to address mat-
ters of politics. My entire ministry is
spent trying to bring people together;
I don’t seek to create discord with topics that
can leave people feeling separated and angry
at each other. I’d rather spend my time and
precious space in
these newspapers
on promoting the
Kingdom of God
and sharing words
of faith, hope, and
love, as contained
in the Gospels.
Politics tend
to divide us. Sure-
ly in this country
each of us has the
Bishop Hayes
right to voice an
opinion on any subject and every action of
government—people have died to defend
that right of free speech. But when I don’t
believe as you believe, when you think your
way is the only way to solve problems, we
can become divided.
Yet an issue has come up that is so vola-
tile I believe I must address it in this space
today.
The U.S. Congress has been embroiled in
a debate about health care reform. You know
how heated and controversial this subject
has become throughout the nation. Several
weeks ago, a health care bill was signed by
the U.S. president.
Upon passage of the bill in the House of
Representatives, Rep. Nancy Pelosi spoke to
By Kenneth Smith
Conference statistician
n Total membership: 238,056 *(a decrease of 3,277)
Average weekly worship attendance: 57,903
(a decrease of 471)
Church School enrollment: 74,021
(an increase of 13,083)
(This includes various formation groups)
Average weekly Church School attendance: 30,738
(a decrease of 754)
n New members received: 7,830
By Profession of Faith/Restored: 2,592
(an increase of 278)
By transfer from another UM church: 3,611
(an increase of 1,666)
From other denominations: 1,627
(a decrease of 14)
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
Strength for the journey: Ideas and thoughts from our bishop
Congress in her role as Speaker of the House. of the General Conference.
Her comments included, “The United Meth- To understand our Church’s stance on
odist Church supports this legislation.” health care and other issues, you must begin
United Methodists from all over America with these two books.
responded in a variety of ways when she said At the 2008 General Conference, a Theo-
that. Some were delighted to hear our Church logical and Historical Statement on health
was apparently giving its support to the leg- care was approved. It states: “The United
islation, while others were dismayed. Many Methodist Church is committed to health
began asking questions of the denomination’s care for all in the United States and therefore
leadership. Some of you have contacted your advocates for a comprehensive health care
pastors, district superintendents, myself, and delivery system that includes access for all,
other leaders of the Church in Oklahoma. quality care, and effective management of
Who authorized such a statement? What costs.” (Book of Resolutions, pg. 352)
bishop or committee gave permission to say A statement about health care in the
that? What’s going on within The United Discipline includes a Biblical reference: “In
Methodist Church? Ezekiel 34:4a, God points out the failures of
Your questions are certainly legitimate. the leadership of Israel to care for the weak:
You have a right to know what our denomi- ‘You have not strengthened the weak, you
nation speaks about this issue. have not healed the sick, you have not bound
Thus I want to use this controversy as a up the injured.’ As a result all suffer. Like
teaching moment. I want to help all United police and fire protection, health care is best
Methodists—regardless of your stance on the funded through the government’s ability to
subject—understand what the Church says tax each person equitably and directly fund
about health care. the provider entities … We believe it is a
government responsibility to provide all citi-
One voice: zens with health care.” (Book of Discipline,
The General Conference pgs. 117-118)
The General Conference is the only en- These make clear that the Church strong-
tity that speaks on behalf of our denomina- ly endorses health care for all citizens, but
tion. There is no one person or one agency not specific legislation. This stance was put
authorized to issue statements on behalf of into writing decades ago. U.S. political de-
the Church. The General Conference most bate about health care goes back 100 years,
recently met in 2008 and will meet again to the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.
in 2012. Even earlier, United Methodists believed
The United Methodist Book of Discipline that providing health care to others is an
and The Book of Resolutions contain our important duty of Christians. The founder of
Constitution, Doctrine, General Rules, Social Methodism, John Wesley, developed ways to
Principles, and other vital information that offer medical services at no cost to the poor
governs our denomination. These two books in London.
are printed every four years, after the session Bishop Janice Huie of the Texas Confer-
2009 Statistical Report
n Persons removed from church rolls: 10,482
By Charge Conference action or withdrawn: 4,716
(an increase of 751)
By transfer to another UM church: 3,044
(an increase of 1,504)
To other denominations: 548
(a decrease of 70)
By death: 2,174
(a decrease of 70)
n District snapshot: South OKC and Ardmore Districts
reported gains in membership. Gains in morning worship
were recorded in Tulsa, Enid, Clinton, and Ardmore Districts.
Church School attendance increased in Enid District.
United Methodist Men reported 6,509 members,
a decrease of 214. UMMen received $289,318 for projects,
an increase of $18,537. United Methodist Women reported
11,198 members, a decrease of 511. The women received
$730,173 for projects, an increase of $18,727.
Total monies expended by local churches: $128,380,111,
a decrease of almost $9 million.
(* Numbers are compared to 2008 totals)
April 23, 2010
ence recently wrote, “The General Board
of Church & Society is the agency that has
the authority to advocate (for) public policy
consistent with the values and statements
adopted by the General Conference and
found in the Book of Discipline. It is my
understanding that Speaker Pelosi’s state-
ment actually referenced advocacy from
the General Board of Church & Society on
behalf of health care.” (Cross Connection, the
Texas Conference newspaper, April 2)
Bishop Huie, who also has served as
president of the Church’s Council of Bish-
ops, explained, “Over the years, The United
Methodist Church, acting through the Gen-
eral Board of Church & Society and its prede-
cessor bodies, has been involved in a number
of issues” that were controversial at the time.
Among those: child labor legislation, temper-
ance legislation, civil rights legislation, dis-
ability legislation, anti-gambling legislation,
and anti-pornography legislation.
The preface to our Social Principles,
contained in the Discipline, says it well: “The
United Methodist Church has a long history
of concern for social justice. Its members
have often taken forthright positions on
controversial issues involving Christian
principles.”
Huie also points to a posting by Paul
Brown, a graduate student at Duke Univer-
sity, on the UMC Facebook site: “Sisters
and brothers, our unity is grounded in Jesus
Christ—not in the details of health care re-
form. As a church that includes both Hillary
Clinton and George W. Bush as members, we
are free to disagree on various social issues,
but we remain united in one Lord, one faith,
and one baptism.”
May it be so.
Opportunities
Children’s Ministry In-
tern: Part-time. May 24-July
30. Bartlesville-First UMC.
Casi.Morris@fumcbville.
org, 918-336-3361. Youth
Intern: Part-time. June-July.
Dave.Gray@fumcbville.org.
Youth Director: Part-time.
OKC-Nichols Hills UMC,
Janice Meese, 405-842-1486,
jmeese@nicholshillsumc.org.
Pianist/or Organist: Part-
time. Pawnee UMC, 405-714-
0064.
Hymnals: Free. 1966. Pur-
ple covers. 100 copies. Leedy
UMC, Beth Daily, 580-705-
0023.
Basketball Goals: Free.
Comes with wall mountings.
Yukon-First UMC, 405-354-
8858, fumcyukon@coxinet.
net.
Page 4A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 23, 2010

2010 Annual Conference

May 30-June 2
(Sunday-Wednesday)

Tulsa-Boston Avenue
United Methodist Church

Watch live at www.okumc.org

Oklahoma scores Bishop Bickerton as speaker

Bishop Thomas Bickerton is guest preacher for the 2010 The native of Wheeling, W.Va., had never traveled outside “I try to bring a spirit of joy
Annual Conference. He was featured in the Winter 2009 the United States until his trip to Africa. “When ‘Nothing But in the midst of cynicism,” he
edition of DIVINITY, the alumni magazine of Duke Divinity Nets’ came along, I had a world perspective that had been says. “In many ways, the people
School. That story is excerpted here, with permission. building since ’86,” he said. of western Pennsylvania are very
——— “There’s a 3-year-old who’s going to be bit by a tiny bug,” much like those people in Africa

S tanding 6 feet, 7 inches tall in size 15 shoes, the bishop

for the Pittsburgh Area is easily mistaken for a former
basketball player.
says the bishop. “She’s the reason I do what I do. When she
grows up, I pray, she will have been able to see the face of
Jesus in the person who gave her that bed net.”
who have a joy and determination
in the midst of their troubles.
“Pennsylvania was among the
But Tom Bickerton, who grew 4 inches and three shoe Bickerton’s trip to Africa in 1986 was a long shot. When states that sent the most volunteer
sizes in college, was never a standout on the hardwood. He he was invited to join the evaluation group, he appealed to work teams to New Orleans fol-
played his most impressive hoops more than two decades ago his congregation for support. But his parishioners were less lowing Katrina,” Bickerton says.
in a small village in Liberia. than enthusiastic. “They are the same folks who say,

In 1986, the young pastor was invited to join a 17-member
team evaluating United Methodist missions in several African
countries. During a visit to a school, the entire class stood up
and applauded when he entered their classroom. Bickerton,
who was baffled by the response, turned with a questioning
look to his host. “They think you are a professional basketball
player,” explained his Liberian colleague.
As Bickerton was leaving, three small boys with a foam
mini-basketball approached him and said, “Show us your
moves, Mr. Missionary.”
“Luckily their hoops were lower than usual so I could do
some jams, and they were impressed,” says Bickerton.
B
y the Sunday before the deadline to register for the
trip, no money had come in, and Bickerton announced
that he would decline the invitation. When he returned to his
office, he found an unmarked envelope. Inside was a cashier’s
check for exactly the amount he needed.
  “Whoever that person is—and I still don’t know—
changed my life,” Bickerton says. “I came back a completely
different person. My whole ministry changed.”
His experiences in Africa broadened the scope of Bicker-
ton’s ministry, which to that point had not involved missions.
He has since worked with Volunteers In Mission teams in
his home state and throughout the world, including Russia,
‘We’re depressed; we don’t have
anything,’ but when a disaster hits, they respond. My job is
to remind them how much they can do
The answers to contemporary problems must come from
many sources, he says.
“All of us have gifts to share. Local church pastors have
answers we bishops don’t have; laity have answers that pas-
tors can’t generate. We need to listen and to align ourselves
in such a way that we can walk into the future together.”
Bickerton says what he sees gives him more hope than
ever. “I get awestruck by some of my young clergy who are
identifying with the emerging generation and willing to take

T wenty years later, Bishop Bickerton found himself
standing courtside with former NBA player Sam Per-
kins and other pros. The people of The United Methodist Church
had joined the United Nations Foundation, Sports Illustrated,
and NBA Cares as founding partners of “Nothing But Nets.”
Israel, Argentina, and Mexico.
Elected in 2004 at the age of 46, Bickerton became the
youngest active member of the U.S. episcopacy. And the
tallest United Methodist bishop in the world, with the largest
shoe size, is also considered one of the most optimistic.
this church into the 21st century. They are out there making
the church come alive in the world.”
———
Read Bishop Bickerton’s column, “The Journey Contin-
ues,” at http://wp.brickriver.com/pages/detail/1516.

n Deadlines Go online to www.

n May 7—Deadline to reserve your
room at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown
Tulsa. This is the primary hotel for the con-
ference.
Nearby hotels include the newly reno-
vated Crown Plaza Hotel (reserve by May 9)
and the new Holiday Inn Tulsa-City Center
(reserve by April 30).
n May 7—Deadline to sign up for Y.A.C.
(Youth at Conference). The program is
open to students entering sixth through 12th
grades. Contact Paul Corr, 580-430-6239,
pdcngyem@yahoo.com; or Ann Browning,
405-530-2199, abrowning@okumc.org.
Activities include hands-on mission
experiences at Pearl’s Hope, on the Frances
Willard Ministry Center campus, at Iron
Gate Soup Kitchen, and at the Regional Food
Bank. Recreation plans include Skateland
Roller Rink, Kiln Arts of Tulsa & June’s
Jems, and mall shopping.
n May 14—Deadline to register for child
care during the conference. Contact Mary
Ann Emmons at Boston Avenue Church,
918-583-5181. Field trips to the Tulsa zoo,
Bounce U, and Family Aquatic Center are
planned for elementary-age children (enter-
ing kindergarten through fifth grade).
okumc.org for more
n May 22—Deadline to make reserva-
tions for Wednesday’s United Methodist information, includ-
Rural Fellowship luncheon, at Boston Av- ing reservation
enue Church. Contact David Karges in Jenks, forms, award
918-299-5462, pastor@fumcjenks.org.
At this annual banquet, winners of the applications, and
2010 Outstanding Town and Rural Church registration fees. You
awards will tell their stories of witness. also will find
n May 23—Deadline to reserve tickets
for Tuesday’s Celebrate the Laity Lun-
information in the
cheon, in Fellowship Hall at Tulsa-First delegate packets
UMC. barbara.perry@okstate.edu distributed by
U.S. Mail.
 Page 5A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 23, 2010

n Kit donations
Earthquake victims in Haiti will
benefit from the Annual Confer-
ence “kit drive” spearheaded by
Volunteers In Mission (VIM).
Donations of health, birth-
ing, layette, and school kits are
greatly needed in that nation,
according to leaders of UMCOR
(United Methodist Committee
on Relief).
These supply kits will be col-
lected throughout the week and
then shipped to the UMCOR dis-
tribution center in Baldwin, La.
These gifts should be care-
fully packed, following UMCOR
specifics. Details are provided by
VIM online. Deliver the completed
kits to the designated truck in the
west parking lot at Boston Avenue
Church.
For more information, contact
Kristin Terrell-Wilkes, 405-530-
2029, kterrell-wilkes@okumc.org;
or Richard Norman, 405-530-2032,
RNorman@okumc.org.

n Book sale
Donations of used books are
now being accepted for the annual
Retired Clergy Book Sale during
the Annual Conference.
All the money raised goes into
the Clergy Crisis Fund, admin-
istered by the Oklahoma United
Methodist Foundation.
During the week of the con-
ference, book sales will begin
late Monday afternoon, in Jubi-
lee Hall at Tulsa-Boston Avenue
Church, and will conclude at 3 p.m.
Wednesday. Prices typically range
Bishop Thomas Bickerton displays a mosquito net during his presentation in Greensboro, from 50 cents to $2.
N.C., about the denomination’s campaign against malaria. UMNS photo by Mike DuBose Deliver donations now to the
church, which has made a storage
area available in advance. If deliv-
ery help is needed, call the church.
Books also will be accepted at the
Annual Conference until the start
of the sale.
Retired clergyman Neil Win-
slow said all book donations are
appreciated.
“We sell many books to newer
clergy who are still building their
libraries,” he said. “Some clergy
have told us they have no better
place to put their favorite books
than into the hands of Christian
folk.”

n Special offering
Ministry near and far, in Oklahoma and 2010 Pre-Conference Workbook.
Africa, will receive support through the 2010 Cookson Hills Center provides relief,
Annual Conference offering. education, health care, employment op-
Churches are encouraged to receive a portunities, and cottage-industry initiatives,
special collection, prior to the week of the primarily to Native Americans. A capital
conference, and send that gift with their campaign is under way to fund a new main
delegates to the annual meeting. building on the property in the Cookson
The money gifts will help (1) Cookson community, south of Tahlequah. The center
Hills Center, a United Methodist mission is Advance project number 582161.
site that serves the rural poor in eastern Whitaker stated, “Our daycare is full;
Oklahoma; and (2) “Imagine No Malaria,” the senior program is active and has a large
a denomination-wide effort that expands on attendance; the cottage industries are doing
the “Nothing But Nets” campaign initiated well. The health resource center is meeting
several years ago to eradicate the disease in the needs of many through immunizations,
Africa. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and
n Cookson Hills Center other programs. The Volunteers In Mission
“The economy program operated at capacity (in 2009).
has been merciless Our Christmas Store numbers were up 20
on those who already percent.”
live in poverty and In March, the center hosted a meeting of
need,” reported mis- the National Advisory Committee for Church
sionary Meri Whita- and Community Ministry, a policy-setting
ker, director of Cook- group. Its 17 members include directors of
son Hills Center. the General Board of Global Ministries and
“We have con- general church staff, among others.
tinued to experience Denise Rowell “They have not been here before,” Whi-
growth in every pro- to sing at taker said. “They try to meet in mission lo-
gram that we have UMW Assembly cations so they go home with understanding
offered. The Church would look upon this about what is happening on the field.”
as huge success, but when one is observing She said the board was impressed by
the mission field, larger numbers represent the size and scope of ministry at Cookson
larger need,” Rev. Whitaker wrote in the Hills Center and was inspired by the con-
version stories that occur there.
The group also heard staff member De-
nise Rowell sing. As a result, the committee
invited her to perform and share her story at
the United Methodist Women’s Assembly, set
for April 29-May 2 in St. Louis, Mo.
(www.cooksonhillscenter.com)
n Imagine No Malaria
A child in Africa dies of malaria every
30 seconds, according to the denomination’s
news agency. Battling the disease is the pri-
mary aspect of the Global Health Initiative,
one of the Church’s four Focus Areas this
quadrennium.
Bishop Thomas Bickerton leads the ini-
tiative for the denomination.
Malaria causes immeasurable suffering
across the African continent. It is caused by
a parasite called Plasmodium, transmitted
through the bite of a mosquito. Without treat-
ment, malaria’s flu-like symptoms—fever,
chills, vomiting, headache—can lead to
convulsions, organ failure, and death.
The Church has fought malaria through the
ministry of hospitals, clinics, and mission
centers we have operated across Africa for
more than 160 years. “Imagine No Malaria”
seeks to eliminate death and suffering from
malaria in Africa by 2015.
The ministry will include:
• Prevention: Distributing insecticide-
treated bed nets, and working to drain stand-
ing water where mosquitoes breed.
• Education: Teaching people how to ef-
fectively use bed nets and how best to protect
themselves.
• Communication: Using radio and cell
phones to deliver lifesaving information
about malaria.
• Treatment: Training community-based
health workers, and delivering medicines
so  hospitals and clinics can care for  those
in need.
“Imagine No Malaria” is in partnership
with the United Nations Foundation, and it
broadens the concept of the “Nothing But
Nets” campaign.
(www.ImagineNoMalaria.org)
Page 6A
Briefly
Archives work funded
Funds have been allocated for preservation
work affecting the Conference Archives.
Historical records are housed in the
Dulaney-Browne Library at Oklahoma City
University for both the Oklahoma and Okla-
homa Indian Missionary Conferences. Cli-
mate control and limited space are primary
concerns, according to Jerry Gill, chairman
of the Commission on Archives & History.
A project to upgrade the archival facilities
at the library is projected to cost $250,000.
Two Oklahoma Conference groups recently
approved a total of $85,000 to help with the
work, at OCU’s request.
The Council on Finance & Administra-
tion voted on March 23 to provide $60,000
from the Contingency Reserve. The Agency
Emergency Capital Fund committee ap-
proved $25,000 from its resources. OCU will
provide the other funding.
Among the changes will be major im-
provements to the interior climate system,
window coverings, specialized archival
shelving, separate areas for receiving and
processing, and a security system.
Conference archivist is Christina Wolf,
whose office is in the library. She is available
to help the public with records searches and to
assist churches’ preservation efforts. Contact
her at 405-208-5067, cwolf@okcu.edu.
Wheelchairs needed
United Methodists are asked to donate
their daily pocket change to help Volunteers
In Mission purchase wheelchairs for resi-
dents of Rio Bravo, Mexico.
The seven-week campaign, titled “Make
a Change,” concludes on Pentecost Sunday,
May 23.
Two years ago, churches across the
Conference donated funds that purchased
176 bicycles for children in Rio Bravo. That
successful joint effort between VIM and
Pryor-First UMC led to the current drive.
Each wheelchair will cost $200, accord-
ing to Rob Harris, pastor at Pryor.
After final gifts are collected on Pentecost
Sunday, churches are requested to send the
money to Pryor-First, which will arrange for
purchase and delivery of the chairs.
The VIM office and Conference Treasurer
will have an accounting of the funds, and
each donor church will be credited, Rev.
Harris noted.
Seminary gets major grant for Native studies
Saint Paul School of Theology at Okla-
homa City University has been awarded a
$240,000 grant from the Henry Luce Founda-
tion to support the first three years of a faculty
position for a Native American scholar.
The grant award was announced March
31. This seed money will provide for salary
and benefits and will support the seminary’s
development of the program “Native Ameri-
can Studies in Church and Society.”
In collaboration with the Oklahoma
The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
STUDYING CAMPUS MINISTRY—
Board members and directors
expanded their knowledge April
9-10 at the Local Campus Ministry
Board Training held in Oklahoma
City, with 35 participants. Two spot-
lighted “success stories”: a free
meal program at Rose State College
and the 1215 Club, which spurred
new giving for the Wesley Founda-
tion at the University of Oklahoma.
Above are Leslie Long, left, of the
Wesley Foundation at the University
of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, and
Bridgette Young, assistant general
secretary for the denomination’s
Campus Ministry and College Chaplaincy work. Also shown are Frank Den-
ney, left, a board member of the Wesley Foundation at Langston University,
and campus ministry development consultant Tom Nisbett. OU philosophy
professor Tom Boyd was also a headliner.
Academy names speakers
Elaine Heath, initiator of a missional
monastic network, and Ray Buckley, a sto-
ryteller and author/illustrator, will lead the
Academy of Spiritual Formation, set for the
week of Oct. 17-22 at Canyon Camp.
The Academy is hosted every two years
by Oklahoma Conference. The Upper Room
is a co-sponsor. This is a five-day experience
of community living in the monastic tradition.
Each day follows a rhythm of worship, lecture,
periods of silence, and covenant groups.
Buckley is a native of Alaska, with Tlin-
qit, Lakota, and Scottish ancestry. His topic
will be “When God Changes Your Name:
A Spiritual Journey Through Native Tradi-
tions.” He has worked with United Method-
Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC) and
the denomination’s Native American Com-
prehensive Plan, the school is launching a
program to provide theological education for
Native American church leaders. A second
objective is to raise awareness and advocacy
among non-Native peoples.
The presence of a Native American
faculty member is the first major step in
developing pedagogical and cultural strate-
gies to address needs specific to the Native
Photos by Holly McCray
ist Communications and in Connectional
Ministries.
Rev. Dr. Heath helped launch New Day,
a network of missional, new monastic faith
communities in the United Methodist tradi-
tion. Her topic will be “The Mystic Way:
A Contemplative Vision for Evangelism,
Outreach, and Community.” She is McCre-
less Assistant Professor of Evangelism at
Perkins School of Theology and director of
the Center for Missional Wisdom at Southern
Methodist University.
On the Academy leadership team are
Kathy Leithner, Cindy Mayes, Elaine Gragg,
Katrina McBride, and Diana Northcutt, who
is registrar. Find more information at www.
okumc.org.
American community, according to Church
and seminary leaders.
“A full-time Native American faculty
member will greatly impact the commitment
to resource and equip the Native community
in and outside of OIMC,” said David Wilson,
OIMC Superintendent. “It shows the semi-
nary is very serious about its commitment to
the Native community.”
“This grant from the Luce Foundation is
so significant for Saint Paul School of Theol-
April 23, 2010
Event at Junaluska
Roberto Escamilla of Ada-First UMC is
among the planners for The North America
Christian Ashram event set for July 13-16 at
Lake Junaluska Camp & Conference Center
near Asheville, N.C.
The notable United Methodist speakers
include three bishops. In 1930, E. Stanley
Jones founded the United Christian Ashram
movement. More information is at www.
christianashram.org. Registration deadline
is June 1.
Storm season arrives
Spring in Oklahoma brings new growth
on plants, more sunshine, and numerous
outdoor activities. The season also brings
potential for heavy rain, hail, lightning, and
tornadoes at any time.
Churches need to be prepared for these
by making sure people and structures are
as safe as possible. Here are some steps
to take.
• Have an emergency plan for your church
and communicate it to the leadership and
staff.
• Have a safety and security ministry for
church and/or community disasters.
• Run drills (fire, tornado, etc.).
• Inspect roofs on all buildings.
• Check drainage around all buildings.
• Make sure portable buildings and trail-
ers are securely anchored.
• Inventory and photograph or videotape
the contents of buildings.
• Back up critical computer data and store
that backup off-site.
The Oklahoma Conference UMC Insur-
ance & Risk Management Plan responds
at any time to claim calls from churches
enrolled in its programs. The number is
1-877-886-7228.
—Information from plan administrator
Rick Carlin
Golf tournament set
A golf tournament May 10 in Ada will
benefit the United Campus Ministry at East
Central University. Contact Kel Penny, 580-
436-3400, ucmada@gmail.com.
Appointments
Ron Hay to incapacity leave from Mul-
drow Roland Trinity (Muskogee District),
effective April 1.
William Buttram, retired, to Muldrow
Roland Trinity, effective April 1.
Mark Watson to Pauls Valley (Ardmore)
from Blanchard (South OKC), effective
Jan. 15.
ogy,” said Elaine Robinson, academic dean
of the seminary at OCU. “Having a Native
American scholar on our faculty will help us
to envision our steps forward and will deepen
our understanding of Native American cul-
tures and histories.”
“We are ever grateful to the Luce Foun-
dation,” said Saint Paul President Myron
McCoy. “This critical support allows Saint
Paul to respond in faithful and concrete ways
to forging a future that is inclusive.”
 Page 7A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 23, 2010

In Midwest City are award

Church giving improves
recipient Clark Millspaugh,
center, with Steve Dickie, at in first quarter of 2010
left, and Gail Russels, Okla-
homa Methodist Manor rep- News of an Oklahoma increase
Through March, Oklaho-
resentatives, at the March in Apportionment giving for the
mans had donated $395,056
meeting of the Oklahoma first quarter of 2010 brought a
to UMCOR (United Meth-
Association of Homes and smile by Conference Treasurer
odist Committee on Relief)
Services for the Aging. Brian Bakeman.
for Haiti earthquake relief.
“This is the first time since
Other gifts of $13,005 went
2008 that we have approached our
to One Great Hour of Shar-
average giving levels,” he reported
ing, the annual special of-
in the April edition of Treasury
fering to meet UMCOR
Notes.
Award goes to Tulsa man for jobs boost That’s a good sign for the
Oklahoma Annual Conference,
administrative costs.
—Conference Treasurer’s Office

Clark Millspaugh of Tulsa
recently received the 2010 Com-
munity Service Award given
by the Oklahoma Association
of Homes and Services for the
Aging.
Millspaugh’s vision is trans-
forming lives in an inner-city
community of Tulsa, according to
Steve Dickie, executive director
of Oklahoma Methodist Manor,
and Pastor Wade Paschal of Tulsa-
First UMC.
Millspaugh is founder and
president of Summit Exploration,
an oil and gas firm. He and his
wife, Anne, are active members of
Tulsa-First UMC.
His desire to serve others led to
the creation of Westside Harvest
Market (“The Harvest”), which
reaches out to people in the part of
the city that includes Eugene Field
Elementary School. The Harvest
is a community center of sorts,
with a nonprofit fresh-food mar-
ket, prayer room, and educational
programs for students and adults.
Today hundreds of First Church
volunteers enable the mission, Rev.
Paschal said.
Last year, Millspaugh guided
the launch of a new program,
through the Harvest and Tulsa
Community College (TCC), to
help people develop skills in the
health-care field, to secure better-
paying jobs.
As a result, nine people com-
pleted training for Certified Nurse
Assistants, qualifying them to
work as caregivers for the elderly.
Rev. Dickie confirmed that some
then gained employment with the
Manor, which is affiliated with the
Church in Oklahoma.
“The real story is that Clark
shepherded every one of those
students through the program,”
Dickie said recently. “His love of
the Lord spills over into service to
others. What sets Clark apart is his
incredible capacity of the heart.”
“I am in tears when I see what
this man has done.”
Paschal described Clark as an
entrepreneur who has taken that
skill and applied it creatively to
needs in that west Tulsa com-
munity.
“This is definitely part of his
calling as a Christian. He’s one of
our key lay people—a leader in the
men’s ministry, one of our Sunday
school teachers. He’s doing King-
dom stuff, and it’s exciting,” the
pastor said.
Taught by a TCC instructor,
the classes are continuing at the
Harvest.
“I love to find people going
through some kind of transition,
pray with them, and to help them
make a difference,” Millspaugh
said.
within the current national climate
of economic scarcity. The United
Methodist News Service reported
on March 30 that the Apportion-
ment total collected in 2009, from
all U.S. churches, was $24 million
short of the $150.3 million budget
set at the 2008 General Confer-
ence.
Apportionments are the fuel
that makes it possible for the
Church to make a difference in the
world, the news agency noted. In
the average congregation:
• 12.4 cents of every dollar
given supports annual conference
ministries;
• 3.3 cents supports ministries
beyond the conference; and
• 84.3 cents supports that con-
gregation’s ministries.
In the Oklahoma Conference,
Rev. Bakeman said, “giving to
Apportionments through March
increased to $2,903,644, or 18.16
percent of our annual total.” The
five-year average for the first quar-
ter is 18.46 percent.
He also listed the top five rea-
sons people give to their congre-
gations, according to an article by
Cynthia Woolever in the newsletter
of the Lewis Center for Church
Leadership. She wrote that people
give:
• Out of a sense of gratitude for
God’s love and goodness;
• To support God’s work in the
world;
• Out of a sense of duty;
• Because the Bible instructs us
to support our congregation; and
• Out of a sense of obligation.
“How are you teaching your
congregation to give?” Bakeman
inquired. “Giving is something
that must be taught. We can never
assume that everyone knows how
to give.”

Bruce Stevens
and Linda Stevens
Retired diaconal minister Bruce Urban Stevens, 62, and
his wife, Linda Rasmussen Stevens, age 61, died March 17,
2010, in Texas. They were active members at Mustang United
Methodist Church.
Bruce was born Aug. 27, 1937, in Yankton, S.D. He had
served in the U.S. Air Force. He had worked 24 years as an
electrical engineer for Southwestern Bell. As a diaconal, he
also served at OKC-St. John’s UMC. He held degrees in
electrical engineering and in divinity; he had studied at four
universities, including Oklahoma City University.
Linda was born Aug. 25, 1948, in Wichita, Kan. She had
worked 23 years for the Internal Revenue Service and was an
attorney in Mustang. She held a law degree from OCU.
Survivors include daughter Lori Rasmussen-Miller, sons
William Stevens and Eric Rasmussen, four grandchildren,
two great-grandchildren, and two foster children.
Memorial service was March 26 at the Mustang church.
Charles Sapp
Rev. Dr. Charles Leon Sapp, 81, of Enid died March 31,
2010.
He was born March 23, 1929, in Oklahoma City. He mar-
ried Ynette Culley on June 6, 1948, also in Oklahoma City.
He attended Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma
Baptist University before the couple moved to Nashville. He
In memoriam
continued his formal education there and in Texas, Virginia,
and North Carolina. Back in Oklahoma, he taught at South
Oklahoma City Community College and was an adjunct
professor at OCU.
He began full-time ministry in 1976, as an associate
pastor at McFarlin UMC in Norman. He also served at Enid-
Bethany, Stillwater-Highland Park, Perry, OKC-Village, and
Texhoma. He retired in 1994.
Survivors include his wife, Ynette; son Charles Michael
Sapp of Muse; daughter Lynette McKinney of Parker, Colo.;
four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral was April 3 at Enid-First UMC, with arrange-
ments by Anderson-Burris.
Katherine Milner
Katherine “Katie” Ann Moore Milner died April 2, 2010.
She was the widow of Rev. Robert “Bob” Milner, who died
in 1992.
She was born May 6, 1928, in Osaka, Japan, to a mission-
ary couple. The family moved back to the United States when
she was 12. Katie and Bob met while she was a student at
Austin College, Sherman, Texas; their first date was singing
together while he preached at a jail. They married on May
31, 1949.
She taught in Oklahoma, often at schools near churches
led by Rev. Milner.
Survivors include daughters Paula Wright of Anchorage,
Alaska, and Ruth Morgan; sons Matt Milner of Broken Ar-
row, Tom Milner of Overland Park, Kan., and Peter Milner
of Tulsa; children and grandchildren.
Memorial service was April 10 at Broken Arrow-First
UMC.
Thelma Cooley
Thelma Beatrice Reed Cooley, 94, died March 25, 2010,
in San Antonio, Texas. She was the widow of Rev. Charles
Raymond Cooley.
Thelma was born Feb. 27, 1916, near Gage. A graduate
of Northwestern Oklahoma State College, she was a teacher
for 36 years. She also managed a farm after the death of her
first husband, Wesley Reed.
In 1982, she met and married Rev. Cooley, who was
pastoring at Blackwell-First UMC. He retired in 1985. The
couple moved to San Antonio in 2004. He died in 2008.
She was a longtime member of Lamont UMC, and later a
member of the Blackwell church, where she sang in the choir.
She also took part in many civic activities.
Survivors include seven children, Lila Reed Roberts of
San Antonio, John Reed of Stanwood, Wash., Ed Cooley
of Longwood, Fla., Mike Cooley of Magnolia, Texas, Ruth
Hicks of Weatherford, Ramona Rossen of Piedmont, and
Rachel Tarantola of Tulsa; nine grandchildren and 12 great-
grandchildren.
Service was March 30 at Blackwell-First, with arrange-
ments by Roberts & Son Funeral Home of Blackwell.
Page 8A The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact April 23, 2010

Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation insights

Teach a man to fish

Glenn and Vivian Dale love
people. From their travels to their
church and family, their heart for
experiencing others’ cultures and
way of life has allowed them to
remain connected to what is im-
portant in this life.
Lifelong Methodists, Glenn
and Vivian have been members
of Bartlesville-East Cross Unit-
ed Methodist Church (formerly
Limestone UMC) for more than
50 years. They raised their three
daughters in the church, teaching
them the importance of loving and
caring for others.
The couple has served the
church in nearly every possible
capacity. Glenn taught Sunday
school for 40 years, before health
problems made it too difficult for
him to continue in that role.
During the time they were most
active at East Cross UMC, the
church was given a large memo-
rial gift. Glenn was instrumental
in using the gift to establish an
endowment fund at the Oklahoma
United Methodist Foundation.
“I knew creating an endowment
fund was the best way to use the
money,” he said. “We trusted and
had faith in the Foundation to take
care of our assets.”
Several years later, Glenn and
Vivian established a gift annuity
with the Foundation, to provide a
steady income during their retire-
ment years. They funded the annu-
ity through stock and property.
“The Foundation took care of
selling our property. We didn’t
have to mess with it and ended
up with more money through tax
benefits,” said Vivian. “We love
the steady payments of income and
don’t have to pull from our savings
for expenses.”
When Glenn and Vivian are
gone, the remainder of their gift
annuity will benefit people through
two special funds. The Glenn H.
and Vivian B. Dale Mission En-
dowment is a fund that will sup-
Thank you to everyone who
port mission at East Cross UMC. attended our Oklahoma City and
The Glenn Dale Family Fund is ­Tulsa EQUIP trainings in March.
a donor-advised fund held at the
Foundation. Pastors and church leaders gained
“We don’t care if the church valuable information on how to
uses the money to support orga-
nizations like World Neighbors or
implement EQUIP in their churches,
Lydia Patterson Institute, but the how to teach members the impor-
fund is strictly to help people help tance of handling God’s money
themselves,” said Vivian.
“Instead of giving someone a God’s way, and how to prepare a
fish, it’s important to teach them healthy church budget.
how to fish. That’s our standard
for living.”
For more information about
She continued, “If you stop and EQUIP or Financial Peace
look at people, really look beyond ­University, call the Foundation at
the façade, you’ll see a real person
with real needs. I didn’t grow up 800-259-6863.
with much and learned the impor-
tance of helping people.”

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

Camps prepare to welcome summer guests

S taff and volunteers are prepping the
three Conference camps for a short-
ened summer youth camping season.
June and July will teem with events
for young people, due to changes in pub-
lic schools’ scheduling. Camps Director
Randy McGuire noted that winter weather
closures forced some education officials to
extend the school year deep into May, and
the 2010-11 year starts early in August for
some schools.
The camps are utilized year-round. Meet-
ing on March 25, trustees heard impressive
numbers about the new Holliman Lodge at
Camp Egan. It hosted a total of 842 camper
nights between September, when the lodge
opened, and the end of December.
Egan manager Dave Perrin also re-
ported major renovations under way for the
­McSpadden and Homestead cabins.
At Cross Point, manager Ken Long said,
a disc-golf (Frisbee) course is new for camp-
ers this year and the ropes course has some
additions.
A nine-hole putt-putt golf course has
been donated at Canyon, said manager David
Combs. A church also plans to place benches
at the cross.
The managers thanked the individual
and group volunteers for invaluable main-
tenance at the sites. Long said people from
Lost Creek and Stillwater performed “hid-
den ministry” recently by working at Cross
Point.
Combs said 12 youths from Fairview
UMC served at Canyon during their school’s
Spring Break. A Volunteers In Mission work-
week for Wilderness Camp, located within
Canyon’s grounds, drew 23 participants.
Among accomplishments, they built six out-
houses, a bridge, benches, and tables; cleared
trails; and removed a beaver dam.

Dean supports Confirmation Retreats for younger disciples

F or a second year, hundreds of young-
sters attended Confirmation retreats
in February and early March at the three
United Methodist camps.
By Scott Rodgers
What an incredible way to spend a Friday
and Saturday! That is how I would describe
the Confirmation Camp at Camp Egan.
This event brought together fifth- through
seventh-graders from three districts—
Muskogee, Tulsa, and McAlester—for a tour
through the Christian faith.
Together we studied Church History, The
United Methodist Membership Vows, United
Methodist Doctrine, and Christian Worship.
In addition, we had three wonderful worship
experiences, which drew us closer to Jesus
Christ.
Confirmation Camp serves a dual func-
tion. First, if a church does not have a Con-
firmation Class, the retreat can function as
one. Second, if a church does have such a
class, this retreat stands alongside the class,
offering more information and experiences
for the confirmands.
The hope of the retreat is to introduce and
prepare students for professing membership
within the church.
Other Confirmation Retreats were held
at Canyon and Cross Point. The leadership
of the retreats believes it is essential to
teach students about The United Method-
ist Church as well as the agreements made
in the membership vows. This helps the
students to gain a deeper understanding of
membership and thus make an informed
decision about it.
Another part of Confirmation Camp is that
we introduce some of our younger youths to
camping ministry. We stayed at Camp Egan
in Love Circle, had a bonfire, played on the
slab, ate at Valley View Center—just simply
got to be in a holy place for two days.
Hopefully, this will encourage the stu-
dents to participate in other camping experi-
ences in the future.
It really was a wonderful weekend. God’s
love was on display to the campers, and we
had a chance to teach and guide some of our
newest United Methodists!
(Rev. Rogers, dean for the Egan event, is
pastor at Fort Gibson UMC.)