December 2017

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1

OKLAHOMA

OUTLOOK DECEMBER

School of Ministry Gameday Senior Heritage Christmas Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) Missions-Faith Promises Due Ministerial Credentials Renewal Deadline

Publisher H. Franklin Cargill

December 2 December 2 December 9 December 15 December 31

Designer Jayson Evans Copyeditor Renae Elmore

JANUARY 2018 School of Ministry Gameday January 6 Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) January 13 Royal Rangers District Winter FCF Trace January 12-14 Century Leadership Roundtable (Norman) January 18 Women’s Ministries Sectional LIFE Rallies January 19 ACMR Deadline January 31 Speed The Light Tour: Section 10 January 10 Section 12 January 13 Section 7 January 15 Section 8 January 16 Section 3 January 17 Section 5 January 20 Section 6 January 22 Section 2 January 23 Section 11 January 24 Section 9 January 27 Section 1 January 29 Section 4 January 31

Sectional Council: Section 2 (AM) Section 3 (PM) Section 4 (AM) Section 11 (PM) Section 12 (AM) Section 9N (PM) Section 5E (PM) Section 6 (AM) Section 9S (PM) Section 10 (AM) Section 7 (PM) Section 1 (PM) Section 8 (AM) Section 5W (PM)

SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS

H. Franklin Cargill Superintendent

Raymond Frizzelle Section 1

Craig Dacus Assistant Superintendent

Keith Williams Section 2

Darryl Wootton Corporate Secretary

Terry Bradley Section 3

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS

Bob Yandell Section 4

Bruce McCarty Ron McCaslin MINISTRY DIRECTORS

FEBRUARY 2018 School of Ministry Gameday Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) SYNERGY Youth Leader’s Conference JBQ District Celebration

GENERAL PRESBYTERS

February 3 February 10 February 23-24 February 23-24 February 1 February 1 February 2 February 12 February 13 February 13 February 15 February 16 February 19 February 20 February 20 February 26 February 27 February 27

Chad Brodrick Church Ministries Doug Everaard Youth Ministries Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries Darren Pilcher Executive Pastor Missions Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries

Ordained Female Presbyter Deborah Burke

Jamie Austin Section 5E Mike Buie Section 5W Jeromye Jackson Section 6 Jimmy Keith Section 7 Kelly Coffey Section 8 David Brooks Section 9N L Duane Elmore Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Ric Freeman Section 11 Arlis Moon Section 12

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SUPERINTENDENT

JESU S IS T H E RE AS ON FOR T H E

SEASON

The sound of Andy Williams’ voice dominates the air during this season.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you be of good cheer It’s the most wonderful time of the year”

We are reminded, however, that our celebration is not linked to a “holiday.” Our reason for rejoicing is anchored in the birth of our Savior. Jesus is the reason for the Season!

We pray God’s richest blessings upon our Assemblies of God ministerial family! So many have encountered difficult days and challenging moments over this past year. Others have endured hardships as well as inadequate finances and broken relationships. Our hearts break as we weep with you.

Others may have experienced your best year ever and we rejoice as we reflect. But this we know – WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED OF GOD – He has counted us as worthy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to OUR FAMILY!

Christmas comes with an amount of tradition as families gather for festivities. Our home always includes Bible reading, Christmas Carols, and a prayer of thanksgiving for the birth of Christ as well as for the opportunity to gather with many of our most cherished friends. I love Christmas!

As I greet our Oklahoma ministerial family, would you pause, pull your family together, and let me speak a blessing?

Please read this aloud as part of your family celebration this year – whether prior to opening presents or preparing to ask the blessing on your Christmas Dinner.

FRANK CARGILL DISTR ICT SUPE R INTE NDE NT F R ANK . CAR G IL L @O K AG . O R G

The Cargill Family wishes to extend our warmest love and best wishes to every Oklahoma credentialed minister and your family. We consider you among our dearest friends. Linda and I wish that we were with you at this exact moment as you celebrate the miraculous birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

BARBARA MILLER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT DONA BUNN RECEPTIONIST

RENAE ELMORE RECORDS ADMINISTRATOR JAYSON EVANS MEDIA DIRECTOR

DEANA SMITH CREDENTIALS SPECIALIST JOSH LOWDER GRAPHIC DESIGNER OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 3

MISSIONS

G IFTED TO S E RVE YOU R

CA L L I NG Gifts. Gifts. And more gifts. That’s one of the many reasons I

so love this time of year. And, I look forward to this season because I very much enjoy giving gifts with the anticipation of that special person receiving them. The actual keeping of the secret to the suspense of opening that item that they were wanting makes the experience for me even grander still.

Oh, and I really like receiving gifts as well. And, for the very same reasons. Please don’t assume that I’m expressing some evil selfishness on my part. No, it’s the innocence of the game in guessing what could be in the package as well as expressing appreciation to the one who gave it. It’s all so endearing to me. (I’m already looking forward to shaking a wrapped box under the tree when no one is watching.)

What a gift to serve the calling of others. Knowing that your encouragement and friendship matter is what makes sharing that gift so satisfying. To make it more personal, my family and I consider it a high honor to serve your calling.

We wish you abundant love, joy and peace during this Christmas Season!

The Pilchers – Darren, Michelle, Ethan and Emma

Can I remind you of a gift you and I already possess?

In light of this grand gift-giving time of year, I’m reflecting on a tremendous portion of my life of which I have been gifted – the gift of serving your calling. Now before you dismiss this as some cheesy vocabulary, let me continue, because you have been gifted with it as well. It couldn’t be said better than how Howard Hendricks answered Bob Rhoden’s question to him. Dr. Rhoden shares, in his book Four Faces of a Leader about a conversation he had with the well-known and beloved Dallas Theological Seminary professor. Rhoden asked him what he would say to those he led if Dr. Hendricks were in his shoes. He replied, “I would say, ‘your potential is my mission.’” Those words epitomize the role of leaders and how they serve. This attitude and mission effectively impact our congregations and ministries.

Interestingly, Romans 12:7 calls serving a gift. I see this gift twofold: a gift to those who possess it and a gift to those who benefit from it. So, when we are gifted with serving others, God is involved.

He uses this gift to provide encouragement, resourcing, direction and friendship to those who are being served. Ultimately, God uses this gift of serving as a personal mission, to borrow from the words of Howard Hendricks, in helping others reach their potential.

DARREN PILCHER M IS S IO N S DIRE C TO R EX EC UT IV E PASTO R DA R R E N . P ILC H ER @ O K AG. O R G @ DA R R E N P ILC H E R

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ROBIN JOHNSON ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

FINANCE

YE AR E N D

CHECKLIST On the professional side…

December is always an interesting time of the year for churches. In the middle of the Holiday activity of Thanksgiving and Christmas and facing the excitement and possibility of a New Year, it can be very easy to overlook some very important administrative items. Because churches operate as non-profit organizations and are generally free from the burden of filing income tax and informational returns, it can be easy to forget some of the few important things we are required to do.

Below is a list of important dates and items you should work through every year during the transition between December and January. Look it over and make sure you are not letting any of these items slip through the cracks at your church.

DECEMBER 31, 2017 • Housing Allowances need to be officially designated for the coming year • All 2017 contributions must be recorded in the proper year • Credential renewal deadline JANUARY 31, 2018 • • • • • • • •

Contribution acknowledgements must be provided to donors for 2017 contributions Quarter 4 – 941 Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return Forms must be filed to the IRS W-2 forms must be provided to all employees Form W-3 must be files with the Social Security Administration 1099-Miscellaneous forms must be provided to all independent contractors (see www.irs.gov/form1099misc for more detailed information) Form 1096 must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service The deadline for filing 1099 forms with the State of Oklahoma is February 28, 2018.

All Church Ministries Report (ACMR) must be completed and sent to the District Office

As you make the transition into a new year, you will no doubt do so with a more sharpened focus and clarity of vision. As you keep an eye on providing excellence in ministry execution, do not neglect to keep that same eye on providing excellence in ministry administration. If there is ever anything we can do to help, do not hesitate to reach out. **Special Note on Contribution Statements** To ensure the deductibility of a donor’s contributions to your church make sure to include the following language on all contribution statements.

“Other than intangible religious benefits, no goods or services were exchanged for these donations.”

On the personal side…

I consider it an honor to serve the ministers and churches of the Oklahoma District. 2017 has been a tremendous year and my heart is filled with gratitude as I look back at the goodness of God. I would like to take some time to express a deep and heartfelt “Merry Christmas” to you and to your family. My hope is that you are able to enjoy some great times and some great laughs with your family and friends this Christmas season.

Looking forward to a great 2018!

The Conner Family

SHELLE ANDERSON ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

KEVIN CONNER LAVERN GUTHRIE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

F INANCE & O PE R ATIO NS K E VIN. CO NNE R @O K AG . O R G @K E VINSCO NNE R

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CHURCH

P E RFE C T

LOVE Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year! I enjoy

our time as a family, gathering at the house just to be together during a special time of the year. It is the one time of the year that everything else seems to come to a halt and our focus is turned toward what is most important in life. Love and Family.

This year as Anna and Miriam have been at college, I must admit that I am looking forward to Christmas a little earlier than I have in the past. Knowing that we will have the time to spend together becomes even more precious as the girls make the transitions into adulthood. Our time apart, makes our time together even more important.

The Christmas season is such a great reminder of the supreme example of love that has been shown toward us through Christ Jesus. God loved us so much that He manifested Himself through Jesus Christ so that we might have life eternal. That extravagant display of God’s love toward us makes us take pause and humbly thank Him for His graciousness and care.

I love the way that John reminds us of the love that the Father has for each one of us when he says: In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9–11 (ESV)

“If God loved us, we also ought to love one another” cuts to the core of our hearts and moves us toward compassion and care for those around us. May God remind us of His love for us this Christmas season and the love that we freely give to others!

Nyree and I are so grateful for God’s love that has been displayed toward us through this incredible District. We appreciate you and pray that God’s blessing rests upon you during this season.

Chad, Nyree, Anna, and Miriam

CHURCH SECURITY RESOURCES http://www.churchlawandtax.com https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/33007 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_fX1GGbl-w https://www.churchmutual.com/168/Buildings-and-Grounds

I am humbled by the fact that God loved me so much that He would give me the gift of eternal life through His son Jesus Christ. Before I had the thought of loving Him, He displayed His love for me by giving the most important gift of all, the life of His son. It is a gift that could never be equaled or repaid!

The gracious gift of the Father challenges me to display that kind of love to those around me. John reminds us that God’s love toward us, is manifested in us, and works through us to touch the lives of those around us. It is a love that is given despite the challenges of relationship that we often encounter in life.

SHERRI ANDERSON SCHOOL OF MINISTRY

CHAD BRODRICK C H URC H M IN IST RIE S C H A D. B RO DRIC K @ O K AG. O R G @ C H A DB R O DRIC K

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GINGER FOSTER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

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WOMEN’S

A FRIE N D LY

REMINDER 2017 LIFE Pledges are due by December 15, 2017!

Thank you for your support of over 200 Oklahoma Missionaries and their families!

They can go because you give!

(1Corinthians 3:8-9) Oklahoma Women’s Ministries SUSIE PURKEY WO ME N’ S DIR E CTO R SUSIE . PUR K E Y@O K AG . O R G

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YOUTH

M ERRY C H RIST MAS FROM T H E

OYM FAMILY Thank you for all you do all year long as youth pastors and

leaders of this young generation. Enjoy the holiday season with your families. We love you and pray continuously for you and your family!

DOUG, JILL, SETH, & GRAYSON EVERAARD

DOUG EVERAARD YO UT H M IN IST R IE S DO UG . E V E R A A R D@ O K AG. O R G @ DO UG EV E R A A R D

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MIRIAM LUGINU ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

CHILDREN

ME RRY

CHRISTMAS I think I begin each December article with how much I love Christmas and everything about this season and as the

Christmas song goes, “It’s the Most Wonderful time of the Year”! I have a lot of memories about Christmas that I have shared over the years and you’ve probably guessed it, I’d like to share another one.

As a kid growing up, I loved to read. My favorite books were the Little Golden books. Do you remember those? Some of the more popular ones were The Poky Little Puppy, Tootle, Scuffy the Tugboat, and The Little Red Hen. My favorite was ‘Twas the Night before Christmas. I would read that book all year long even when it wasn’t Christmas time.

With that being said, I came across the following the other day that kind of stirred up memories of my Little Golden Book days. It’s a more realistic look at what it may have been like the night before our Savior was born.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the earth, Every creature was stirring, awaiting a birth.

The time for Messiah was certainly near, The prophets foretold it; the Bible was clear.

From the book of beginnings, the very first sin, God’s word made it clear how His grace entered in.

Born of a virgin, He’d come as a man.

The Creator among us, the time was at hand.

Sin sent us away from our almighty Lord.

He became one of us that we might be restored.

He’s the Prince of our Peace; He’s the one who makes whole.

He is Wisdom Incarnate, a Shepherd of Souls.

He’s the Author of Life; He’s the Ruler of All. He can offer salvation, on His name we call.

The shepherds and Wise Men would bow to adore Holy God among men, our greatest reward.

All glory and honor is due to this King.

Let all join in worship; let every tongue sing.

Jesus is Lord, all creation proclaims.

He’s the first and last, He is always the same.

History turned on the first Christmas day, When God became man in a humble display.

As we think of the manger in which He was laid, Let our hearts welcome Him to the world He made!

Our Prayer is that God blesses you and yours throughout the holiday season and on into the New Year. Have a very Blessed Christmas!

Dean and Joy Guthrie

The stars were arranged to show marvelous things, Setting Wise Men to journey and find the true King.

Shepherds in Bethlehem gazed on the sky, Longing to see him, their Lord the Most High.

How could they know that the very next night An angel of God would speak words of delight?

How the Savior was born, it was news of great joy.

In a cloth and a manger they’d find the dear boy.

And a heavenly host would soon join to sing Of the glory of God and of wonderful things.

He entered creation, set position aside To show us how deeply his love did abide.

DEAN GUTHRIE BEV ROBERTSON ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

CHIL DR E N’ S DIR E CTO R DE AN. G UTHR IE @O K AG . O R G @O CMDE AN

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CHI ALPHA

PRAIS IN G GOD FOR

CHRISTMAS JOY The Message’s account of Nehemiah 8:10 - sounds a lot like what the Christmas Holidays should be about.

“Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad.

The joy of God is your strength!”

In the next few weeks students will be heading home for the holidays. It’s amazing the impact good food has in making connections with college students and their friends, especially when you add God’s Joy to the mix. There is eternal life and peace available that only Christ can bring. On behalf of the Oklahoma Chi Alpha family thanks for helping us spread His Joy to so many. We want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and when the holidays are over there’s still room for SALT 2017.

Over 2000 collegians and young adults will be coming together Dec. 29-Jan. 1 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas. SALT includes great fellowship, worship, ministry and breakouts as we wrap up this year and prepare our hearts for all God has in store for 2018. Please help us spread the news about SALT to everyone you know - cost is only $225 for lodging, sessions and luncheons. Online information & registration is available at www.saltcentral.com or you can give us a call and we would be glad to help you connect with the Chi Alpha group near you.

GREG & SUSAN TIFFANY CHI ALPHA XAOKLAHOMA@GMAIL.COM 405-203-7377

Till every campus knows JESUS!

G I R L S M I N I S TR I E S Have you ever received the GIFT of “Good News”? Good

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 NIV

Luke 1:26-31 NIV “....God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus”.

The gift of “Good News” from Luke is a gift to be treasured and reflected upon not just at Christmas, but all year long.

Mary goes on to ask how this can be and the angel proceeds to lay out God’s perfect plan for the Savior to be born.

Liz and Arlis Moon Oklahoma Girls Ministries

news can make you feel joy, relief, laughter, and wonder!

There is so much “bad” news in the world right now that my heart longs for the wonderful news of God’s grace, mercy, and love. Like Mary, we may question how God is going to do what He says He can and will do, like Mary we may not feel adequate but we can say YES to God, like Mary we can be overwhelmed with God and His attributes.

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I ask God to give you a special GIFT this season- to be overwhelmed with the Good News.... Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever! Amen Merry Christmas and A Joyous New Year!

LIZ MOON GIRLS MINISTRIES LIZMOON@SBCGLOBAL.NET

SPANISH

JUST LIK E T H E

MAGI

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:11 The hustle and bustle of this time of the year can be taxing on all of us. Sometimes we forget who we are really celebrating: Jesus Christ our Savior. We need to pause and remember that we are really celebrating our King.

It is important to remember that God sent His messengers to tell the shepherds, the commoner laborers, that Jesus had been born. It gives us joy that God has sent us as His messengers to go and tell the wonderful news of Jesus Christ. Pastor, this is our job, this is our calling, to tell others this good news. JESUS CHRIST. He was born.

He was crucified. He now lives and sits at the right hand of the Father. He is the Savior of the world.

Our prayer for you and all the Oklahoma District Spanish churches is that each of us will remember that we are celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Mark and Nancy Fitzgerald

MARK FITZGERALD SPANISH MINISTR IE S MAR K F ITZG E R AL D@USMISSIO NS. O R G

ROYAL RANGERS

Servant Leadership! It sounds contradictory. But, Jesus calls

us to that life! Royal Rangers is focused on providing an avenue to start a young man on the adventure. Adult facilitated, boy-led activities will be a foundation to prepare young boys and men for life-long servant leadership.

We offer training for leaders at all levels. Please contact us through the website, okroyalrangers.com or the OCM office. We have a great team of Certified Instructors to assist with building your team of leaders.

A little boy almost always wants to be the line leader. He will race others to get to the first place in line. It may be that the line is going to a classroom or it may be going to the restroom.

Whatever the setting, it is self that rises up and compels us to be first. Jesus’ example is just the opposite. The “Others First” mindset goes against the culture of “Me First” and self-gratification. The RR Pledge asks for God to help us serve and to live by “the Code” and the Golden Rule. The leadership track offers opportunities to practice what is, for the most part, not natural.

Congratulations are in order: The South-Central Region has just appointed our own Daniel Clark to be the new Regional Training Coordinator. Daniel is also serving as District Assistant Director for Royal Rangers and Outpost Coordinator at Inner City AG in OKC.

The boys who will be the future leaders of the church may be attending our churches right now or they may be running around our towns and cities waiting for an invitation to a cookout, campout or a merit activity. How we prepare to evangelize, empower and equip those leaders must be intentional and proactive. Royal Rangers offers our men an amazing opportunity to serve unselfishly and to set that example of the believer before boys who may not have any example at all or very poor renditions of what a man was created to be!

The National Royal Ranger office has just appointed Kasey Bruce to be the new National Shooting Sports Program Assistant Director. Kasey currently serves as the District Shooting Sports Director and Outpost Coordinator at Crossroads Church in OKC.

SID McCOY R OYAL R ANG E R S MR SIDMCCOY@G MAIL . CO M (4 0 5) 4 8 8 - 7 0 0 4 v

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IN MEMORY

When you invest with CEP, your money will not only earn more, it will achieve more.

cepnet.com/earnmore

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OKLAHOMA

DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS

PASTORS’ REPORTS

Steven Waters - permanent job Clint Gray - New church provision, right buyer for property, and healing for Deanna Murray and Charles Collier Anita Davis - complete healing Willie Boyd - healing from stroke

Gary Walden, Peggs, reports four saved in regular service.

Raymond Frizzelle, Miami, reports six saved in jail ministry, five in youth and six in regular service.

Oren Jackson, Watonga, reports two were healed.

Clint Gray, McAlester, reports seven saved and nine rededicated at FCA Fields of Faith School service and two saved at the Fall Festival.

Lorn Starling, Tryon, reports one baptized in water.

Meno Miller, Peroia, reports one saved in Sunday morning worship.

Jerry Yoder, Thomas, reports two were baptized in water on Sunday morning and 6 saved on Wednesday night.

INFORMATION Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.

EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS NEEDED Full time Children’s Pastor at Miami First. Email resume to miamifirstag.org or call (918) 540-1585 or send to P.O. Box 589 Miami, Ok 74355.

Dale Floyd reports 47 men and women saved in prison services.

Amani Fam reports crusades in India, Egypt, and Pakistan had several hundreds saved and/or healed. Pakistan crusade had over 10,000 people in attendance.

FOR SALE TRANSFERS Welcome Louis Selzer Mary Selzer Richard Stierlen Chester Egert

Farewell Robert Herron Brian Robinson Elisabeth (Lis) Robinson

From Michigan Michigan Minnesota South Carolina To Potomac Arkansas Arkansas

NEW PASTORS Hobart Calvary Life

Chasen Musick

Commercial 3200 Sq. ft. building on 1 acre tract and 3.5 acres west of McAlester 270 Hwy frontage.

Contact Clint Gray at (918) 470-9512.

MINIST E RS’ SPOUSE S Saul Sanchez Lopez Spouse of Maria Elvira Hernandez 4/15/1947 – 11/01/2017 Bettie Louise Scott Spouse of the Late Edward Scott 7/31/1928 – 11/22/2017 Dorothy L. Martin Spouse of the Late Leon Martin 9/22/1931 – 11/27/2017 Louise Hall Spouse of the Late John G. Hall 7/14/1918 – 11/28/2017 OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 15

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