Briefly
Scraper named new benefits director
Kate Scraper of Oklahoma City has joined the United Methodist Ministry Center as the Oklahoma Conference’s director of personnel and health benefits, announced by Treasurer Norma Gravley-Quinn.
She began her new job in August.
She formerly held various corporate jobs, working at executive levels in human resources and health benefits administration, including for IBM and Express Personnel Services. She is the wife of Matt Scraper, pastor of OKC-Southern Hills.
She replaces Stephen Mitchell, who was director for eight years. He has accepted the post of business administrator at Norman-McFarlin UMC.
Tulsa salutes Frances Willard Home
TULSA — Mayor G.T. Bynum has issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 9 as The Frances E. Willard Home for Girls centennial anniversary day.
Its 40-acre campus is home to Child SHARE foster care and Pearl’s Hope transitional living program, both operated by the Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care.
The facility was established in 1917 to serve as a place for abandoned, orphaned, or neglected girls who had no place to stay other than the county jail.
Between 1917 and 2003, the home served over 4,000 girls.
"This Centennial Celebration is our opportunity to thank the community of Tulsa and so many Oklahomans across the state for faithfully supporting the mission all these years," said Don Batson, president of Circle of Care.
An open house is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9.
Ada invites John Holbert to lecture
ADA — First UMC will host distinguished speaker John Holbert on Sept. 24-25 for the Ada church’s annual lecture series, which will include a special luncheon program for interested clergy.
Rev. Dr. Holbert is widely known for his outstanding career as a professor of preaching and an author. He retired from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas.
Here is the lecture schedule.
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Sunday morning: "Will the Real God Please Stand Up?" (Job 42:1-6)
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Sunday evening: "With Friends Like These..." (Job 1,4,8,9,16)
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Monday morning women’s study: "The Problem of God"
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Monday noon event with clergy: "What Not to Say: Preaching for Today"
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Monday evening: "The Very Surprising God" (Job 38:42)
Clergy are asked to make reservations now for the complimentary luncheon by calling 580-332-1398.
Publishing house launches kit for kids
The United Methodist Publishing House announces a new resource, Love In A Big World, that focuses on the character development of kids in grades K-8. The material, ideal for weekday groups, gives leaders ways to cultivate 24 important character traits.
Find out more at www.umph.org.
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