NEO Nazarenes Shining Our Lights Brightly in 2020 We have been talking a lot about sowing the seeds of the gospel the last few years, especially through the focus on Organic Outreach. As we start a new year, is it time for a new emphasis? I don’t believe so. Rather, I think it is time to recommit to follow the Great Commission and to keep sowing seeds, no matter what. I thank God for the hundreds of people that have become followers of Jesus Christ through our churches the past few years. But we are not content nor discouraged. Paul writes to the church in Galatia and to the NEO Church of the Nazarene: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” One of the ways we sow seeds is through our godly......

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Dear NEO Family, Marla gave me the devotional book, Wisdom for Each Day, by Billy Graham, for my birthday. The devotional for last Saturday was one I spent some time contemplating and I would encourage you to do the same. Revival Begins With You “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 If Christianity is important at all, then it is all-important. If it is anything at all, then it is everything. It is either the most vital thing in your life, or it isn’t worth bothering with. So don’t give the lie to the Christian faith by professing Christ without possessing Him. Don’t lock the church door with the key of inconsistency and keep the lost from coming to Christ. Don’t hinder revival by your unbelief and prayerlessness. Don’t cheat yourself out of spiritual victory by allowing sin to imprison you. Seek God’s face and turn......

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NEO November Reports view full report I Want to Celebrate. . .  Cary Tipton, Mannford Grace Family Worship Center. . . The church let us celebrate our seventh anniversary as a married couple. We enjoyed our time in Branson and feel refreshed in our spirits. Our newest family led the care explosion food drive celebration. Four community churches joined us for a meal, distribution of non-perishable food items, worship led by our Mannford schools superintendent and speaker Manny Parker. Over 80 for service! Tim Odom, Collinsville. . . Great Month at Collinsville. Beginning with guest speakers/musicians The Pic & Bow and ending with our all-church family Thanksgiving Dinner. We have a lot to be thankful for! Bret Metcalfe, Claremore. . . We thank God for His healing touch on lives. We have had several folks with health issues this month, but God has touched and healing is taking place.......

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Thankful “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…” (Philippians 1:3-5) These verses summarize my thoughts of you, NEO Nazarenes! How thankful Gloria and I are for each of you and your faithful partnership in the gospel. God is at work in our midst — see the pastors’ “I want to celebrate…” as a small sample of the good work God is doing. I am also thankful for our University, Southern Nazarene University. A few days ago I was at SNU Board of Trustee Meetings. I serve on the Student/Spiritual Life Committee. I always am encouraged at the committee meetings because the Chaplain and Student Life staff are all STARS who serve our students with excellence! At this meeting, Chaplain Blair Spindle had one of his student......

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Tap your feet to the beat with the Petersen Family Gospel/Bluegrass Band for a talented, family-friendly performance, honoring God and country.  This wonderfully talented family is in its seventh season of performing in Branson. We are in our last week before the Petersen Concert this Saturday, November 16th, 2:00pm at Sapulpa Church of the Nazarene. Contacts via several avenues have been used to inform people of this event. It would be great if someone from every church on the district would be represented by their attendance. Tickets can be purchased at the door and those who would like to donate a jar of peanut butter or jelly for the Manna House will receive a ticket for a bottle of water. We pray that this will be a valuable event to draw NEO Christians and friends together. Thank you so much for giving this thoughtful consideration. We hope to MEET &......

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A Rescuer   I am grateful today for a rescuer. Less than a year ago, I was snorkling in a remote area in the Pacific Ocean; my mask was letting in some water; as I tried to take it off to catch my breath, the waves of the tide repeatedly pushed me against some coral which resulted in cuts in my chest and arms. Then I heard someone behind me ask, “Are you okay?” “I’m not sure”, I replied.   The man quickly came to my side and assisted me until I got back to shore. He wasn’t a professional rescuer. Just an everyday guy who was in the position to assist someone and took the risks to do it.   This man was my hope. In the same way, every follower of Jesus is hope for the spiritually dying people within their reach. We work where we work,......

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2019 NEO Ministry Team Retreat We were blessed with 123 of our ministry team participating in a great retreat at Branson Chateau on the Lake September 20-22. Drs. Chuck and Carla Sunberg brought great messages, Brady and Karalie Thelander led in meaningful worship, and pastors and spouses bonded together through meetings, meals, and fun times. Our district is blessed with terrific pastors and spouses! District News Al Bryant, a longtime leader at Tulsa Living Hope, died on Sunday morning, October 6. We offer our deep sympathy to his wife, Ira, and daughter, Terasita. Congratulations to Tony and Jessica Siebels who were married on Saturday, October 5. Tony is our pastor in Pawhuska. Congratulations to Pastor Geoff Gunter and the Regency Park Church on a very positive church/pastor review on September 11. Chandler Pastor Keith Cole had a successful heart ablation on October 3. Pray that his heart stays in......

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From the District Superintendent We are excited about the NEO Ministry Team Retreat this weekend at Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO. Drs. Chuck and Carla Sunberg will be our special speakers and Rev. Brady Thelander will lead our worship. Pray for this to be a time of refreshing and renewal for the outstanding NEO pastors and spouses. I have set aside a day on each Mission Area to meet with lead pastors to discuss ministry and each church’s Annual Goals and Expectations. I value these opportunities for sharing and welcome your prayers that they would truly be times of mutual encouragement. On some of the Mission Areas, the Mission Area Coordinators will also join us for the meeting. Here are the dates: October 3 –  Northeast October 8 –  Tulsa October 15 – Southeast October 22 – Southwest October 28 – Northwest Rev. Mike and Diane Johnson......

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Exciting Days for Sunday School & Discipleship Ministries Michelle Proctor, District SDMI Chair Summertime is coming to a close and that can sometimes be a bitter sweet. How we longed for the summer all year long… the warmer weather, the family vacations. For some, it was a time to slow down from juggling the rigorous schedules of work, school, sports and other activities. For parents, maybe it was looking forward to a week alone while the kids were off to camp. Summer gives us a chance to take a breath, enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, and maybe, slow down just a little bit. It’s nice to take a break from the busyness of life, but once we start looking ahead to the change of the season and all of craziness coming back in full force can often bring a little anxiety and dread. I understand this feeling completely,......

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Transformed Lives NEO NYI Summer Ministries What do you think of when you hear the word summertime? As a youth pastor we think busy time! This summer has lived up to the meaning of busy time. From summer camp to fireworks tents to NYC, it was hard to catch our breath, but we made it. All of these events were well worth it. Teenagers lives were changed and transformed! The coolest thing is that it didn’t just start this summer. It began in all of our youth groups on Wednesday night services. I have heard really great stories on our district of how God is working amongst our youth. Glory be to God! The summer kicked off with a night of worship at Core church where over 100 students and adults gathered for a night of worship. What an amazing way to kick off summer! Then a week and......

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