Advocate
Or Current Occupant
Volume 27 No. 5
Sept.-Oct. 2011
The Advocate - A Publication of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference of The United Methodist Church
Three from OIMC among delegation to World Methodist Conference After three fund raisers (a lot of Indian tacos), some help from the Oklahoma Conference and their personal contributions Rev. David Wilson, Rev. Margaret Battiest and Josephine Deere joined up with the delegates from the Oklahoma Conference to form the Oklahoma Delegation to the World Methodist Conference held in Durban, South Africa. After 18 hours of flying the delegation arrived in Durban on August 2nd to wonderful cool – football – weather. The World Methodist Conference convenes every five years to bring together members of the worldwide association of churches in the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition. The 2011 World Methodist Conference marks the 20th gathering of the Methodist/ Wesleyan family from 74 member churches representing more than 132 countries. The theme of the conference for this year was “Jesus Christ: For the Healing of the Nations.” There were 1,826 registrants representing 58 countries. The World Methodist Council met just prior to the opening of the conference where they elected a new General Secretary as well as a new president. Bishop Ivan Abrahams, presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa was inducted as the next General Secretary of the World Methodist Council. Abrahams is the first African to be elected to such a position. Bishop Abrahams will begin his new assignment January 2012 and will be residing at Lake Junaluska, North
Carolina where the WMC headquarters is located. Rev. Dr. Paulo Lockmann, from the Methodist Church of Brazil was elected president of the WMC. Those elected from the UMC of the USA were: Mr. Kirby Hickey, Treasurer; Bishop Lindsey Davis Member of the Presidium; Bishop B. Michael Watson, chairperson of Evangelism; Mr. Jorge Lockward, chairperson of Worship and Liturgy; Bishop William Hutchinson, chairperson Personnel Committee; and Mr. Byrd Bonner chairperson ATV Investment Committee. Rosalind Colwill, a champion of mental health care in Nigeria was the recipient of the 2011 Methodist Peace Award. The Peace Award concept was initiated in 1976 by Dr Stanley Leyland during the 13th WMC held in Dublin - during the time of intense conflict in Northern Ireland. Criteria for this award are courage, creativity and consistency in work and witness to peace. Ms Colwill joins other Peace Award winners such as Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Our delegation had the opportunity to participate two afternoons in a food packaging for Stop Hunger Now program. We assisted in the packaging of over 100,000 food packets to be distributed to those suffering from malnutrition due to famine. The majority of the packages were being shipped to Somalia. It was a wonderful feeling to know that what you were doing was going to help someone in need of food and maybe to save a life. We went one afternoon and the next morning a plea was given that more workers were needed to complete the task, so we went back that afternoon. At the final count we
Pictured left to right: Josephine Deere, Rev. Margaret Battiest and Rev. David Wilson had packaged 101,000 meals! Some of the other highlights included: the parade of banners of member churches; Bible study by Dr. Joy Moore, Associate Dean of Duke Divinity School; Africa University Choir; Durban Metro Young Men’s Guild Choir; street parade and rally; worshiping in a local church. Following the completion of the conference, the Oklahoma delegation was able to spend a few days visiting in other parts of South Africa. Jeremy Basset, of the Oklahoma Conference and originally from South Africa, arranged for us to have a guide so we could experience the country. We spent two days exploring Kruger National Park where all the wild animals of Africa roam free. We were able to go to a reserve where we spent time with some cheetahs and tried to take a walk with some lion cubs but they weren’t interested in walking. We visited an animal rehabilitation center for injured and/or mistreated animals. We were able to see the beautiful country,
the mountains, and the different crops that are grown in that area and experience the cuisine. A special thank you to Jeremy for arranging this opportunity, it was fantastic and definitely a once-in-a-life-time experience. A special thank you to Rev. Donna Pewo, Rev. Bernadine Dowdy, Rev. Anna Stilwell and Lucille Miller for their help at the taco dinners; Glenpool Fellowship and Leland Clegg UMC for the use of their facilities and all of you who bought a taco without your help this would not have been a reality.
Kneeling William and Keith our guides, Joe Harris. 2nd Row: Josephine Deere, Margaret Battiest, Jeremy Basset, Norma Quinn. 3rd Row: Randy Mitchell, Helen Mitchell, Hershel Beard, Sam Powers, David Wilson, Cynthia Havlik, Victor McCullough, Bishop Hayes, Brian Bakeman, Cheryl Powers, Nancy Harris
At the conclusion of food packaging for Stop Hunger.
The Advocate is published six times a year by the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference of The United Methodist Church. For subscription information, contact the office at 3020 S. Harvey, OKC. OK. 73109. Phone: 405-632-2006; Fax: 405632-0209. E-mail: jdeere@oimc.org
2-Advocate
Sept. - Oct.
Words from our Bishop Earned Grace?
OIMC receives Young Adult Summit donation of computers 2011
“And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” ....... Romans 11:6 Not long ago, my wife and I attended a huge pow-wow just outside Ponca City. It was a wonderful gathering with thousands of people who journeyed from several states. Now I’ve been to powwows before, but this one was special. The regalia seemed to be more colorful and the spirit of the place was electric! By the time the dancing began, people were on the edge of their seats. As the drummers and singers took their places, the Master of Ceremonies gave this notice to all the participants: “We will not be awarding points tonight. This is just a good old traditional pow-wow!” Following that announcement, people seemed to let go of all their “competitive nature” and just had fun dancing the night away. However, that announcement stayed with me. It brought to mind how many people think that God awards us points for our so called good deeds. There are a great number of well intentioned Christians who feel that God keeps a scorecard of our activities, and if we put in an extra dollar in the collection plate or go to church more times than we usually do, we will be rewarded. The truth is God is pleased with our good works, but God’s grace is available to you no matter what you do! The real reward comes when you do good things out of the generosity of
United Methodist Women Conference UMW Annual Meeting, September 30-October 1 Harriett Jane Olson, Deputy General Secretary of the Women’s Division will be the guest speaker at the Conference UMW Annual Meeting to be held September 30 and October 1 at the Southeast Region Center. Miss Olson will speak Friday evening. All those attending are asked to wear tribal dress for Friday evenings program. A silent auction will be held as well as an apron exchange. Mission project is Jones Academy, please bring school supplies, caps and gloves. UMW has gone green therefore bring your own dishes. Registration is $10 and will cover the cost of three meals. All UMW members, pastors, and Superintendents are encourged to attend.
2011
Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Jr. your heart. God’s sunshine falls on the good and bad, and his grace is available to all. Once a very devout Christian died and went to heaven. When he got there, he was met at the gates of heaven by St. Peter. He was informed that he needed 200 points to get through the pearly gates. When he listed his faithful participation in his church, St. Peter said, “one point.” Somewhat alarmed, he continued with his devotion to his wife and family. Saint Peter said, “That’s two points!” Disappointed, the man cried out, “My goodness, it will only be through God’s grace that I’ll get in.” And as soon as he said that, the gates opened! Saint Peter said, “That’s the other 198 points you need!” I announce to you today that God does not award points for your good deeds! His grace is the reward that you will never be able to afford. And believe it or not His grace is sufficient for all your needs. Now that makes me feel like dancing! What about you? Bishop Hayes
From a Mustard Seed: Enlivening worship and music in the small church The Oklahoma Conference is sponsoring a workshop that will be offered six different times at six different locations throughout Oklahoma introducing the new songbook “Worship & Song” and other lesser known music books that the UMC offers, along with the United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing. The cost is $10 per person and will include a meal. Locations for these workshops are: October 10, Fairview UMC; October 11, Lamont UMC; October 12, Adair UMC; October 13, Antlers UMC; October 14, Ware’s Chapel UMC and October 15, Tuttle UMC. All except for Tuttle UMC will be evening programs beginning at 5:00 p.m. ending at 9:00. The one at Tuttle UMC will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. You are welcome to attend the workshop
ComputeReach is a technology outreach mission primarily serving the communities of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; however they have also reached beyond their own neighborhoods into regions across the USA, such as the hurricane-torn Gulf states of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. They also reach out internationally to places such as Malaysia, Africa, El Salvador and Nicaragua where secondhand computers are highly sought and appreciated. Volunteers from the Pittsburgh area gather every week to fix hundreds of donated Apple computers at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Computers that still work are refurbished and immediately put into communities throughout Western Pennsylvania. The computers that do not work are recycled responsibly to eliminate e-Waste. As of August 26, 2011, Pittsburgh area Mac User Group volunteers have refurbished for re-use...3,036 Macs. During July 18-21, three volunteers from ComputeReach and their photographer traveled to OIMC to deliver and set up 32 computers. They along with Rev. Donna Pewo and Jalissa Ross traveled to: Billy Hooton Memorial UMC which serves children from a number of tribes in Middle School and High School with after school programs; Thomas Indian Education Building serving the Native American children in and around Thomas; Clinton Indian Church and Community Center serving children ages 2-14 years with the majority representing the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes; Ponca Indian UMC serving children ages 2-18 in White Eagle area mostly of Ponca descent; as well as the conference office for outreach projects. The donation of these computers will be a great asset to all the children as they begin this new school year. Thank you to ComputeReach for this marvelous donation!
October 21-23, 2011 Austin, TX Event fee is $39 and includes program and two meals. If you are a Young Adult or Adult Worker who serves Young Adults this event is for YOU! Through separate learning tracks as well as common learning and sharing times, participants will: * Connect with other leaders in the church. * Share ideas and resources to build up young adult ministry. * Develop leadership skills to better serve the church. * Engage in meaningful conversation about how the church can more effectively be in ministry with young adults. We will explore five topics from the book Generation Rising: A Future with Hope for the United Methodist Church. This will give us some common language and a jumping off point to discuss how we can overcome several challenges facing young adults and the Church. * Discipleship: Christian Life and The Means of Grace * Preaching: Telling the Story in a SoundBite Culture * Evangelism: Leaning Toward Both God and World * Missions: Letting the Gospel Translate Us. * Internet Ministry: Delivering the Message in Cyberspace To register go to www.gbod.org, under Noteworthy click on Improving Your Young Adult Ministry; it will bring you to the page for the summit.
Benefit Gala and Silent Auction to benefit Endowment for Pastoral Leadership of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference “Legacy of the Past, Hope for the Future”
Children at Clinton Indian Church and Community Center learning the new computers that is held in your area. You may register on line at www.okumc.org/registrations/ register/81 or mail your check or money order to: From a Mustard Seed, 1501 NW 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Registration deadline is October 3rd.
October 27, 2011 Silent Auction 5:30 p.m. Dinner and Program featuring Cherokee National Children’s Choir 6:30 p.m. Jim Thorpe Hall of Fame and Event Center 4040 North Lincoln Boulevard Oklahoma City $100/plate or $1,000/table oimcgala@oimc.org
Sept. - Oct. 2011
Advocate - 3
2011 VBS reaches many
This year’s Vacation Bible School emphasis with the theme “Shake It Up Café: where kids carry out God’s recipe” was one of the most presented VBS’s. Based on scripture from II Corinthians 5:17a “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation,” 33 churches in the OIMC presented VBS in all sorts of time frames. There were weekend sessions, all week evening as well as all week day time sessions. We also had some churches join together to have a joint VBS. Reports are continually received of how well VBS was enjoyed this year. Jim White, lay missioner at Ponca Indian reported: We averaged 65 students with as many as 71 on the hottest night of the week. We feed them physical food, and then we feed them spiritual food for four evenings with “Chef Judy” stirring it up. We were blessed with 11 adult (parents) volunteers throughout the four days to help make 2011 VBS a great success.
D.D. Etchieson UMC, Tahlequah
Pennsylvania, Wasta UMC, Wall, South Dakota; Tomball UMC, Tomball, Texas and First UMC of George West, Texas.
Shake It Up Cafe at D.D. Etchieson UMC, Tahlequah
Lay Missioners RoyceWittman and Amy Johnson of Haikey Chapel UMC and Springtown UMC.
Chihowa Okla UMC, Durant
Norman First American UMC, Norman
St. Paul UMC, Talihina
A special thank you to Rocky Hill UMC, Rocky Hill, Connecticut; Calvary UMC, Annapolis, Maryland; Bethesda UMC, Baltimore, Maryland; Texas UMC, Cockeysville, Maryland; Wesley UMC, Hampstead, Maryland, Plum Point UMC, Huntingtown, Maryland; First UMC of Hyattsville, Maryland; Camp Chapel UMC, Perry Hall, Maryland; Chapel Hill UMC, Battle Creek, Michigan; Yellowstone Conference, Billings, Montana; Grace UMC, Pen Argly, Pennsylvanaia; Faith UMC, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Cocolamus Browns UMC, McAlisterville,
Comments received from Haikey Chapel and Springtown VBS was that it was a great success. They had approximately 20 kids registered and they got to experience and learn secret ingredients shared by story teller JoEllen Frank and music teacher Amy Johnson. The biggest piece was the mission projects. Two projects were chosen for this year. The first project that started three weeks before VBS was a penny war with monies going to the Joplin Recovery Project. The pastor of the winning team would get a pie in the face, but for some unbeknownst reason two pies showed up; therefore pastors Royce Wittman and Amy Johnson both received the pies. The second project is for Clinton Church and Community Center with “Snack back packs” for the kids. They will be gathering snacks and sending to the center throughout the school year. .... Sunrise Ross, Haikey Chapel UMC
Now we wait for 2012 “Operation Overboard: dare to go deep with God!”
Exploration 2011 to be held in St. Louis, MO
Special Prayer Service set for Rev. David Wilson A special prayer service has been scheduled for September 18, 2011 at Fife Indian UMC, 1100 Eufaula Street, Muskogee, for Rev. David Wilson. The service will begin at 5:30 p.m. and refreshments will follow. Rev. Wilson has been endorsed by the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference as a candidate for bishop. Although bishops are not elected until Jurisdictional Conference in July 2012, the process is a long process. Candidate interviews within the conferences will be held in January and February; however other groups also have the privilege of interviewing candidates and these interviews start in October. Therefore, we would like to send David forth with our blessings.
Ponca Indian UMC, White Eagle
There has never been a Native American elected bishop within the United Methodist Church. Should Rev. Wilson be elected he would be the first from OIMC and the first Native American. If you are unable to attend on September 18, another service will be planned in the Oklahoma City area at a later date.
Exploration 2011 an event for young adults who feel God’s call to ordained ministry as a deacon or elder in the United Methodist Church will take place November 11-13 in St. Louis, Missouri. The event provides a chance to explore the call to ordained ministry through worship, prayer, workshops, networking and small groups. Sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the event is open to young adults ages 18-26. The registration fee will cover a two-night stay at the Millennium Hotel (double occupancy), meals, and program fees. The event will include speakers, worship, workshops, and small group interaction to help students hear, discern, and respond to their call to ordained ministry. Early registrations (July 15-September 5) - $150; standard registration (September 6-
September 25) - $175 and late Registration (September 26-October 3) $200.
Native American Children’s Fund (NACF) As reported at annual conference only graduating Senior awards will be given this school year. Applications have been sent to all churches. Deadline back to the conference office is September 12. No late applications accepted.
4 - Advocate With the beginning of a new school year and some of our churches promoting children to new Sunday school classes and maybe even receiving new Sunday school teachers, I thought the following article may be of interest to all and especially those who may be anticipating teaching.
Secrets of Happy Teachers What really keeps those smiling, zany, highly committed teachers in your ministry coming back for more Teachers come in all personality types, from diverse backgrounds, and with very different styles. I’ve seen a quiet, middleaged, balding man in polyester pants, who at first glance appeared to be a boring instructor, come to life with such animation and excitement about his subject that children were spellbound. I once heard a sweet little grandmother tell beautiful Bible stories to preschoolers as though she’d been doing it all her life. Later, I discovered she’d spent 15 years in jail for embezzlement before she met Jesus at age 55. But the teachers I’ve enjoyed watching the most are those who don’t think they can teach. They refuse to try teaching a Sunday school class for years. When they’re finally talked into it, they’re pleasantly surprised because they enjoy preparing the lesson, children love them, and everyone can’t wait until next Sunday. For these teachers, the road to teaching is a true adventure. And they have a few secrets to share with all of us. Happy Teachers Are Adventurous The thrill of teaching isn’t like a short sprint; it’s more like a marathon. A short sprinter teaches in the same classroom with the same furniture and decorates the same old bulletin board month after month. If the sprinter has taught very long, he or she frequently tells the same stories and grabs the same old lesson plan. Every week, the same “problem” children show up. Where is the adventure in that? For marathoners, their discipline comes from a deep, inner commitment. They’re in it for the long haul. It reflects a strong desire to be the best they can be. When the alarm signals their 6 a.m. workout, no one needs to pull them out of bed and lace up their track shoes. It’s their personal zest for adventure that spurs them on. In the same way, adventurous teachers do more than the lesson requires. They scrutinize the curriculum to determine if the printed activities will really work for their kids. Then they add new crafts, games, experiences, and devotions because they strongly desire that their students learn all that God has for them. Are you that adventurous about making an impact on children’s faith? What would it take for you to rediscover the quest? Secrets of Adventurous Teachers * They look for fresh, creative ways to present Bible lessons. * They sacrifice TV time for lesson preparation. * They attend training events—even at
Sept. - Oct. 2011 their expense. * They search out and invite guests to speak to their class. * They pray for miracles and watch for results. * They keep a camera in class for memorable moments. * They get their class out of the building for fun and service. * They never stop being a kid themselves. Happy Teachers Are Affectionate Someone once said, “If Jesus had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.” That’s where we keep all the most important people’s photos, right? Jesus constantly demonstrated unconditional love for his followers, especially the children. My teacher when I was 8, Miss Kliver, was what some folks called an “old maid.” What I remember most about this gentle lady, though, is our class Christmas parties at her home. We made Christmas houses out of white sugar cubes with pink icing. I don’t know why the icing wasn’t red or green, but I remember the houses because every year she took pictures and gave one to each of us. In 1999, Miss Kliver celebrated her 100th birthday. We all sent cards. The love she freely poured out on us continued to bring her much happiness. On a “Love Scale” from 1 to 10, how would your students describe you? What would it take for you to show your students that love is an action, not simply a word? Secrets of Affectionate Teachers * They pray for wisdom to see each child through Jesus’ eyes. * They write loving notes to their students. * They discover each child’s special interest and talk about it. * They make simple Christmas presents for each child. * They invite students home for a party. * They keep their students’ pictures on the refrigerator. * They’re huggers. Happy Teachers Are Addicted Stories of people trapped in a variety of addictions fill today’s news headlines. Each year notable athletes, movie stars, doctors, and politicians enter rehab centers by the thousands. Some are addicted to alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, or the thirst for power. We don’t read much, though, about people addicted to serving others and making the world a better place. As I’ve heard stories of teachers serving 20, 40, and even 60 years, I’m amazed at how their addiction has shaped so many lives. Iris Regester began teaching first-grade boys in the 1940s and continued until two weeks before her death at the age of 83. She studied her lesson on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Her 6-year-olds never failed to memorize their Scripture verses and loved quoting them for adult Bible classes. In later years, Mrs. Regester was known for
September
Conference Calendar
5 Labor Day, Conferrence Office Closed 5 Cntrl Region/SW Region Trustee Meeting, Hog Creek, 7 p.m. 5 SW Region Finance Meeting, SW Region Center, 6:30 p.m. 8 SE Region Finance Meeting, SE Region Center, 9:30 a.m. 8 SCJ Planning Committee Meeting 9-10 North Dist. UMW Annual Meeting, NE Region Center 9-11 SW Region Camp Meeting, SW Region Center 10 NE Region Youth Rally, Broken Arrow UMC, 10 a.m. 10 SW Region UMW Annual Meeting, SW Region Center, 9:30 a.m. 11 Martha Anderson Scholarship Mtg., SE Region Center, 3 p.m. 15 Cabinet, Conference Office, 9:30 a.m. 17 SE Region Trustees, SE Region Center, 9 a.m. 17 CCYM Organizaion Meeting, Seminole Hitchitee UMC, 9:30 a.m. 18 UMVIM Awareness Sunday, special offering 18 SW Region Third Sunday Revival, Hunting Horse UMC, 5:30 p.m. 18-21 Clergy/Spouse & Lay Missioner Retreat, Camp Egan 21-25 VIM Project, Dulac, Louisiana 24 South Dist. UMW Annual Meeting, Seeley Chapel UMC, 9:30 a.m. 24 NE Region Leadership Training, TBA 27 SW Region Pastors Meeting, SW Region Center, 7 p.m. 30-Oct. 1 Conference UMW Annual Meeting, SE Region Center
October 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 8 8 11 14-15 15 15 15 15 15 15 16 16 21-23 22 22 22 27 30
SW Region Fall Conference, SW Region Center, 7 p.m. NE Region Youth Rally, Thlopthlocco UMC, 10 a.m. World Communion Sunday, special offering SE Region COLCM Meeting, SE Region Center, 2 p.m. Cntrl Region/SW Region Trustee Meeting, SW Region Center, 7 p.m. SW Region Finance Meeting, SW Region Center, 6:30 p.m. SCJ Planning Committee Meeting, St. Luke’s UMC, OKC Central Region Youth Rally, Norman First American UMC, 10 a.m. SE Region Fall Conference, SE Region Center, 9 a.m. Cabinet, Conference Office, 9:30 a.m. Young Adult Gathering, NE Region Center NE Region Gospel Singing, NE Region Center Central Region Pastors written reports due SE Region Trustees Meeting, SE Region Center, 9 a.m. SE Region Childrens Fall Fest, SE Region Center SE Region Youth Rally, SE Region Center, 9:30 a.m. NE Region Senior Methodist Meeting, NE Region Center, 10 a.m. Laity Day, special offering SW Region Third Sunday Revival, Cedar Creek UMC, 5:30 p.m. Young Adult Summit, Austin, Texas SW Region Fall Fest, SW Region Center, 6 p.m. SW Region UMW Officers Training, SW Region Center, 9:30 a.m. North Dist UMW Planning Meeting, NE Region Center, 9:30 a.m. OIMC Endowment Gala, Jim Thorpe Center, OKC, 5:30 p.m. SW Region Fifth Sunday Singing, TBA, 2:30 p.m.
her pocket of Sweet TARTS candy that each child received at the end of class. Mrs. Regester didn’t ask for summers off, and she showed up on holidays. No one was surprised that at her funeral “Jesus Loves Me” was sung; first-graders filled the front pew and passed out Sweet TARTS candy following the service. Mrs. Regester was addicted to teaching children, and it became her legacy. Do you know who you are in Christ? Have you surrendered to God’s plan? Are you experiencing contentment in your teaching? Secrets of Addicted Teachers * They ask for their materials well ahead of time. * They keep files on all their lesson aids. * They wear crazy hats, T-shirts, and smocks. * They get to class early and stay late. * They’re constantly rearranging their
classroom furniture. * They spend their money on students. * They get bored in adult classes because there’s nothing to color or cut out. * They have nearly perfect attendance. Whether others call these happy people born teachers or artists, they’re an amazingly diverse group of people with an innate love for children, who are constantly learning how to be even more effective. And any way you look at it, that’s a happy combination.
Mark Your Calendar! February 17 - 18, 2012 Children’s Workers Workshop & Youth Workers Workshop Northeast Region Center Sponsored by: Children’s Ministry Team Youth Ministry Team Council on Local Church Ministries