NEO Team Update
October – Appreciation Month
Helping us Mobilize All Nazarenes in Unity
You remember my proposal at Assembly: “I propose we make October ‘Appreciation Month’ in our churches! Yes, I know this is usually the month we celebrate Pastor Appreciation. I want us to continue this … but expand it! What if we took the month of October to practice this skill of identifying the good in others, including our pastors, and affirming it? What if we intentionally communicated in some way every day words of blessing and encouragement to another member of the local expression of the body of Christ. Since it is Pastor Appreciation Month, what if we would make sure at least one expression of appreciation each week was for the pastor(s)? What if some of the words were done anonymously so they didn’t even know who was sending the words of praise? Could this make a difference in the unity in a church? I believe it will – that is why the writers of the New Testament place such an emphasis on us encouraging and building up one another.” Now is the time to develop plans for this month long emphasis. Appreciation is one step toward mobilizing Nazarenes together in unity!
Thank you, Marla Shepherd!
Marla has served with distinction as Office Assistant for the NEO District for 13 years. To serve that long demonstrates perseverance and commitment, but these are not even her top qualities!
Marla is kind and gracious; she has made time for everyone who calls or comes by the office. She shows great attention to detail, is confidential, responsible and has amazing office and IT skills. Most importantly, she has a deep love for Christ, His church and its leaders! She is the whole package and has been amazing in a part-time role for us.
As I told you at Assembly, Marla is stepping aside to work with her husband, David, in his Tax & Accounting business. We pray for God’s blessing upon Marla, David and their children Joel and Brooke in the years to come. I look forward to seeing Marla at District Assembly next year when she can relax and enjoy it!
You may want to drop Marla a note of appreciation at marla@neokdistrict.com or at the District Office: 6705 E 81st Street, Suite 130, Tulsa OK 74133.
Welcome, Desireé Ferring!
God has blessed us with another very capable person to work as Office Assistant in Desireé Ferring. Desireé is a Licensed Minister in the Church and has served on staff at Tulsa Central and Tulsa Audacity Churches. She has a deep love for Christ and the Church and lots of experience in administration in churches and businesses where she has served. She is also currently helping us revise young adult ministry on the NEO District. I know you will love Desireé, her husband, Jeremy, and her children Brooke (yes, it is a requirement for this job to have a daughter named Brooke!) and Tristan. We anticipate her office hours to be M, W, Th 9:00-3:00 with a break for lunch. You can welcome her at desiree@neokdistrict.com.
District Discipleship Day a Big Success
Helping us Bring People to Jesus
100 people from 24 churches gathered at Tulsa Central on August 12th to explore the forgotten way of Jesus and to recommit to his mission. Thanks to Ronnie Baker and the New Start Team for leading us. There are multiple resources and video available to bring this emphasis to your local church.
District Resourcing for Becoming Christlike Disciples
Saturday, November 18
10am – Noon
Led by Kevin Harney, Author of Organic Disciples
2023 Minister’s Forum
Dear Pastor, Worship Leader, Children’s or Youth Worker,
I want to take a moment to personally invite you to join us once again on September 18-19 at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene for the 2023 SNU Ministers Forum. Last year, we had a tremendous event with over 500 in attendance. Here’s what a few of you had to say about it.
“The worship was wonderfully uplifting. The planning superb. Kudos to the team, the people who served, the students, volunteers and everyone.”
“Really enjoyed the breakout sessions being tailored to specific areas of ministry. Children’s Ministry was insightful, helpful and encouraging! Thank you for all the efforts put into this Forum. It was fantastic!”
“Loved the forum – it was my first one to attend. Worship was excellent. Messages refreshing.”
We are expecting another great event with two exceptional keynote speakers (Dr. Thom Rainer and Ashley Bohinc), uplifting music and informative breakout sessions. The goal of all involved is that you leave inspired, encouraged, and equipped!
So, register now, and don’t forget to invite your entire ministry team, volunteers and others you know that might benefit from this time of renewal. Also, don’t forget that retired ministers and spouses are free!
This is one event you don’t want to miss!
The link to the registration is below – I hope to see you there!
NEO Likes to Have Fun While Serving Jesus!!
Gloria and I were honored to attend a surprise birthday party for Pastor Jim Johnson at Barnsdall. Jim, Jan and the Barnsdall Church family are always a treat.
Owasso Silver Creek celebrated the kick off of Fall Sunday School with a DIVE IN emphasis. They also honored Pastor Fabian and Teresa Correa for 8 years they have served as pastors of Silver Creek Iglesia with generous gifts.
September 23
11:00 – 4:00
Sapulpa Church
Our next Prime Timers event is September 23rd at Sapulpa Church of the Nazarene Family Life Center. Registration begins at 11:00 A.M. and the event will conclude at 4:00 P.M. The first 24 to register will receive a figurine from The Americana Collection (Liberty Falls). At the registration table, we will also have a jar for everyone to guess the number of items in the jar. A prize will be given for the winning guess. We will try to announce the winner at 3:00 – you must be present to win at that time.
The entreé, side dishes, and drinks will be furnished. We’re asking our attenders to bring a dessert of your choice. The menu will be BBQ brisket, pulled pork, links, and bologna. Side dishes will be compatible with the meat selections.
After lunch we will have a cornhole tournament and game time. Please bring your own games and invite people you may not know to join your group. Double-loss elimination is the plan for cornhole and will probably modify the throwing distance. Practice up and win a first or second place prize!
Register by Monday the 18th by calling Sapulpa Church at 918-224-0300 or Kendall Moseley at 918-625-0509.