Briefly
| Porter leads Tulsa district UMMen
Antonio Porter of Rose Hill UMC volunteered to serve as district president, and Michael Palmer of Aldersgate UMC will be vice-president. Memorial Drive UMC hosted the 33 participants, and new District Superintendent Dan Piel also attended. District Lay Leader James McAlister facilitated. Bill Chissoe of Norman, Conference president of UMMen, talked of how the organization’s purpose relates to making disciples. A representative from each church spoke about chapter activities. They included service projects, spiritual growth, and fellowship events. Most meet at least monthly, and some weekly, with a meal. To contact Chissoe: williamchissoe@cox.net.
"Esther Women" is designed to create meaningful dialogue and strengthen fellowship for Christian women as they navigate family, work, and spiritual fulfillment. "The themes of the life of Queen Esther in the Old Testament continue to resonate today for Oklahoma women," said Jayroe. "Just as this young woman of faith risked everything for others so long ago, God has a purpose for each season of our lives, as well. We were created for such a time as this." The luncheons at St. Luke’s will be 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, continuing through May. (January’s event will be Jan. 11.) Speakers include: former Oklahoma First Lady Kim Henry; state Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger; hospice nurse Lisa Boone; Gail Griffin and Wanda Pratt, mothers of NBA players; UM clergywoman and OKC bombing survivor Linda Brinkworth; and OU women‘s basketball coach Sherri Coale. Jayroe is a member of OKC-Church of the Servant. Enrollment in the full "Esther Women" series is $150. Cost for an individual program is $20. To register, call St. Luke’s, 405-232-1371; or visit www.estherwomenokc.org. Vici UMC to celebrate 100 years Some on horseback and by wagon, members and friends of Vici UMC will arrive at the church, in Woodward District, to celebrate its centennial on Aug. 21. At 3:30 p.m., a group will travel from the Old Vici Train Depot to the church, using the forms of transportation available to the first members 100 years ago. At 4 p.m., Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. will preach during the special worship service. Food and fellowship will follow. On Sept. 9-10, the second series of LEAD seminars for clergy begins. Seminar I topics are: "Keeping Your Head Above Water (Personal Financial Management)," "What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You (Church Financial Management)," and "Building Economies of Faith (Money Issues/Conflict in Families and Churches)." Presenters will be clergyman Andy Stoker of First UMC, Dallas; businessman Ronnie Shaw, who has taught finance at Oklahoma City University; Mike Wiley, director of Stewardship Services for the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation; and Brian Bakeman, Conference treasurer. The seminar, at OCU’s Meinders School of Business, opens Friday evening and concludes at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Register at www.okumc.org/registrations/register/94. Fill your bowl at OKC-Wesley OKC-Wesley will host an Empty Bowl lunch and silent auction on Sept. 10, from noon to 2 p.m. The concept is simple: Local potters provide handmade bowls; volunteers provide entertainment; and local restaurants donate soup, bread, and desserts. All tickets are sold in advance. Participants enjoy a simple soup lunch and choose a handmade soup bowl to take home. The silent auction will offer services and theme baskets. Last year, the event raised more than $2,300. All proceeds will go to Skyline Urban Ministry’s food pantry. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact Katrinka Underkoffler, 405-640-5515. The church is at 1401 N.W. 25th St. Make plans to attend the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation’s Stewardship Focus Day on Aug. 26 at OKC-Church of the Servant. Pastors and other church leaders from across the state will gather for the Friday seminar featuring Clif Christopher. He is nationally recognized as a church growth and finance expert. His book "Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate" will be given to all Focus Day participants. Register at www.okumf.org, or call Loyce at 800-259-6863. Media Library The Media Library has received donations of new resources this summer. They are:
To check-out resources, contact Amelia Ballew at the Ministry Center, aballew@okumc.org, 405-530-2075. |
Men from 12 churches in Tulsa District gathered July 16 for an organizational meeting of United Methodist Men. 
Jane Jayroe, a UM laywoman and former Miss America, will launch "Esther Women," a monthly luncheon series, beginning Sept. 7 at OKC-St. Luke’s.