Southern Oaks

2009-11-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

It was great to have people back in the pews for Sunday worship (like Linda, Dortha, and Michelle). Many have been out with the flu. The prayer list was a little shorter during the announcements. Paul continues to bring good, sound lessons to feed the church.
Activities this week include the Area Wide at Blanchard (Sun), Whiz Kids tutoring (Mon), midweek Bible classes at 2 and 7 (Wed), and the Men's Breakfast (Sat).

Movie 'n' Pizza Nite

2008-03-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

No school tomorrow morning! What a good time for a youth group activity . . . so that's just what we did tonight. After evening service, some 16 teens gathered for pizza, pop, chips, and dessert. [A big thanx to Jeannette] At 6:30 we migrated South to the Teen Room to enjoy the movie "Facing the Giants". Coach Grant Taylor dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. This movie was a powerful experience inspiring our teens to live with faith, hope, and love!

Wed Night Teen Class Grows

2008-03-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

While the attendance seems to hover around 15, the total number of students involved is growing. Sterling, who has been attending since the hay ride last Fall, continues to bring her friends. Several weeks ago she brought Anna and Angie. Last night she brought three friends and her sister Reegan. If those who were sick and unable to attend were there, we would have had about 20.

The impact of the Teen Room has been a positive factor. We still need decorating props like flower arrangements. We are looking for a pair of large lamp shades and we can always upgrade the casual seating.

The latest emphases of the youth group is to increase the number of teens carrying their Bibles. To that end, we need adult "sponsors" to donate funds to purchase
personal study Bibles to be presented to students who need one
and agree to use it.

As always, we cherish your support and your prayers. gary

Preachers Gather

2008-02-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

The monthly preachers' luncheon at Oklahoma Christian was a real blessing. John Curtis from Durant did a great speaking on the author of Psa. 119. I enjoyed seeing a big number of "spiritual giants" who have had an impact on the church (and my life over the years). I was especially thrilled to visit with Ralph Burcham (credited with introducing me to my future wife at Camp Rock Creek) and Duane Eggleston (mentor to hundreds of youth ministers). Bob Rowley always does a super job putting this together.
The staff from North MacArthur are really excited about the program later this week. The Affirming the Faith "lectureship" will be Friday and Saturday.

February Area Wide in Norman

2008-02-10T18:56:00.001-08:00

Westside provided the setting for another meaningful worship service tonight. Brett McKnight directed the beautiful singing. Jeremie Beller of Wilshire brought a right-on-target lesson on the "Serve One Another" passages of the N.T. His was easy to follow and retain: the pages of scripture are filled with examples and expectations for us to be servants. His three points were - we need to fill our days with: Selfless Service, Silent Service, and Service of Simple Acts.

For those the youth group who didn't go, you are cheating yourself out of a wonderful chance to be together, to grow spiritually, and to have fun being around hundreds of teens who are trying to live right.

We need you, yes . . . . . but you need us, too! gary

48th Annual Moore Youth Rally

2008-02-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

Well, they did another great job hosting almost 400 teens. The meal was great, Sisters. The brethern at Moore Central hosted Willie Franklin again. "Uncle Chocolate" (as he calls himself) doesn't hold back; his famous straight talk to young people is all the advice parents and youth ministers may be too reserved to give and wished they could say. Groups from as far away as Broken Bow gather every February to the Granddaddy of Oklahoma youth activities.It's always inspiring to be around Ronnie and Willie. Logan Cates did a splendid job of leading the awesome singing.
From a personal note, it was great to see Phil Woeke again.

Don't forget the next AWTG is Sunday, Feb 10th, at Westside in Norman.

The Impact of Tony Hall

2007-09-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

After the past two days of memories shared by his closest friends, we returned the "worn-out tent" to the earth. But the Tony Hall we know is alive! Safe in the fold of the Good Shepherd. Resting - without pain - in the arms of Jesus.

The beautiful service at Lewisville (TX) and the fitting graveside farewell at Lindsay (OK) will help us all to more deeply appreciate the far reaching IMPACT that Tony Hall had on so many leaders and laborers in the brotherhood. His focus (on stronger families), his passion (for the Truth), and his concern (for the lost) were highlighted by an array of speakers who knew him best. Our thanks to you men who shared your memories with us.

The tremendous example of loving support by the Lewisville Church is heart warming. These Christians went above and far beyond in their stand right beside Tony, Jill, the precious girls, and the family. Many of us have returned home, committed to do more, live better, and try harder... not for Tony's legacy, but for the glory of Tony's Lord and Savior.

Tony Hall, 1971 -2007, respected Gospel preacher, camp director, family minister, friend, and so much more... Well done!

from FREEDOM WRITER to motivated readers

2007-03-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

What a mountain-top experience! Whiz Kids volunteers and their guests were truly blessed to hear Manny Scott, Freedom Writer. His touching story was the keynote address of a wonderful evening at the Natinal Cowboy & Western Hertitage Museum. Tonight we gathered to honor the Oklahoma City heroes who are changing lives by tutoring in City Care's Whiz Kids program. Some 780 volunteers from 48 churches work weekly with 575 students in 21 inner city schools.

Manny retold the story of his childhood; one of hopelessness. On two different occasions single individuals cared enough to intervene and believe in him. He was one of Erin Gruwell's students featured in the Paramount movie "Freedom Writers."

The program also included Gov. Brad Henry and CityCare founders Larry and Masie Bross. "Santiago's Story" informed and inspired us with a local story of a young Hispanic with big dreams - thanks to his Whiz Kids' tutor.

For more information about the Whiz Kids Program or information on becoming a tutor, please contact Masie Bross at masie@whizkidsok.org, or by phone at (405) 232-3232. I found this link to their website: http://www.whizkidsok.com/t14-Home

We need more heroes! Can you help save a child? gary

What an Example!

2007-03-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to have Sister Norwood! What, you don't recognize that name? Oh, I'm sorry, I mean Flossie, a charter member of this fellowship of believers.

The church family at South Walker has had its share of Godly saints. But none have been more encouraging than Flossie. For years she has lived with cancer and pain. Sunday after Sunday she has willed her failing body to make it to worship service. Her sweet smile and loving words often divert the attention back on you. Oh, yes, she is quick to credit her Lord.

Thanks, Flossie, for teaching us

how to live the Christian Life.

A Birth . . .

2007-02-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

Congrats to my wife's sister and her daughter. Amy's first-born blessed Houston with his premiere Thursday evening. Jake Butler McC.... arrived on 2/1/07
at 10:06 PM weighing 8 lbs 7 ounces and 21.5 inches long. Amy, Ty, and Jake are all doing well! Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Southern Oaks

2007-02-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

Ice Storm 07
We've had our share of cancelled services this winter. Even for Oklahoma, this winter weather has been atypical... sunny and 70's, then artic blasts by the waves a week later! Well it was certainly warming to see the good attendance after it cleared enough for everyone to get out safely. A hearty thanks to Johnny, Merle, and all who helped during the ice storm of January, 2007.

Ada Southwest hosts AWTG

2006-08-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ada Southwest and our good brother David Rodriguez did another great job hosting the Central Oklahoma Area Wide Teen Gathering - thanks! The lesson by Buster Sides was vital, timely, and thought provoking. YES, we are all more wealthy and blessed than we realize. He challenged us not to fall into the traps warned of in God's Word. The songs of praise and the fellowship (and food) were also superior. Don't miss the final summer AWTG which has been changed to South Walker, OKC.

Camp = Great Experience!

2006-07-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

Burnt Cabin Staff * Ft Gibson Week

Burnt Cabin Christian Camp was awesome again for our group. South Walker was represented by 18, almost double last year! The congregation was so very generous in supporting the scholarship fund. Thanks for helping so many get to go!
A heart felt thanks to the Ft Gibson congregation for "adopting" us and making all the rest of us feel so welcome! Barrett and Lisa, God bless you.
A record attendance of 286 was set that week! Nine were baptized at camp; since returning home five more have been reported! Praise the Lord for those teens who made that decision.
Keep us in your prayers as we travel the rest of the summer (Ada and Edmond are the next AWTG). Nada VBS is August 12

It's All About Jesus !

2006-07-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Summer's Here and It's
All About Jesus!The group is growing as you invite your friends. The new classes have started; the Area Wide Teen Gatherings are the Monday night place to be. With camp and the Cox Center Gospel Meeting, there's plenty to look forward to this summer.

AWTGs have included Moore Central, Tecumseh, and Chandler with inspiring lessons on the Christian Life (James 1). A tip of the hat to the adults who have volunteered so we could average about 22 per outing.

Moore Central teens did an awesome job again in teaching and staffing the Day Camp at Camp Rock Creek!
Burnt Cabin Christian Camp is just days away for our group. South Walker will be represented by 18 of us this year, almost double! The congregation was so generous in supporting the scholarship fund. Keep us in your prayers as we travel.

AWTG 4 CENTRAL OKLA

2005-11-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

Just a few words of encouragement to all you committed adult youth workers who make possible the wonderful experience of Area Wide Teen Gatherings for our young people here in Central Oklahoma. Surely God smiles when He hears hundreds of kids and their sponsors singing praises with such heart and honesty. Many a first-timer has come away feeling like they had just experienced a glimpse of Heaven. I have often wished I could "bottle" some of those precious harmonies to share with the wonderful older folks back home. Have you thought about how relevent those lyrics are?

I must also give credit to those speakers who so effectively get us into the Word. It is thrilling to hear the pages turning throughout the audience with each Scripture cited. Your preparation and ability to relate to the teen audience does not go unnoticed.

Finally let me say thanks to the food preparers, servers, and sponsors who take care of us so generously when "bread alone" is not enough. Without your and the eldership's support, our AWTG would not be possible.
See you soon! Gary

Camp at Burnt Cabin

2005-07-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

I took a week and wasted it not.
New friends I made. Christians I didn’t know, now I love.
Counselors, Teachers: genuine, caring, and real
Who love when I’m not so loveable . . .
We shared the sunrise, the games, and classes;
Singing praises to Him never felt so sweet.
Witness to new births,growth, and conviction.
I came for fun – Oh selfish me! – Now I see it’s all about Him!
Hugs, smiles, and that unforgettable 'Word Up.'
“Make me over, Lord, We’ll go home forever changed. Amen”
By GARY CANAN 7-20-05 at Burnt Cabin Christian Camp

‘Word Up!’ to BCCC, Fort Gibson, and Barrett Vanlandingham for a life-changing week at Lake Tenkiller. Beginning with a tremendous staff of veteran counselors, committed educators, and zealous college students, the July 17th session touched the hearts and lives of 192 campers. Youth Groups from places like Haskell, OKC South Walker, Sand Springs, and Piedmont joined the great Fort Gibson Family for a spiritual retreat.
“Blue collar” sermons, straight from the heart and Truth from the Word, mixed with intense Bible classes, devotionals, and memory work helped everyone focus on “Revive in 2005.” Canteen, sports, and concerts can wait for a trek to the pool for baptisms, 20 of them. Inspiring singing, timely hugs of encouragement, and Christian role models draw out the best as Satan is turned away. This is my pat-on-the-back for all you guys at camp who put a time-stamp on my life. ~ gary

My other Shepherd

2005-07-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

Mentor, guardian, wise counselor, role model . . . what is a "shepherd" to you? In my previous posts, I have written about our Lord Jesus Christ living, longing, and yes dying to be our shepherd.
In our lifetime we may be fortunate to have other shepherds, too. Please allow me to honor just a few who have helped me to steer away from danger and benefit from safer pastures. I.V. Ashby, an elder in Edmond, was the first hand of fellowship for this young man coming out of the waters of baptism. Everette Baird insisted that I go as a 6th grade camper to the very first week of Camp Rock Creek in Norman. Other elders of my teen years at the Edmond Church [Paul Weiss, L.A.Holland, and Darvin Gruver] were giants of faith to me.
The next shepherd to come into my life changed me forever with his encouragement and example. Morris S. Childress, a short Texan with a "ten gallon" heart, brought his family of girls to OKC so I could cross paths with my lifemate. After Jeannette and I met as counselors at Rock Creek Youth Camp, Morris, or "Jack" as his friends knew him, became my father-in-law and mentor. You may have guessed. . . his middle initial stood for "Shepherd"... Self-educated, humble war hero, student of God's Word, Morris Childress was an elder of the South Woodward flock. His stellar work ethic got everyone's attention at Harter Concrete. His love for lost souls became a model for the next generation.
We are truly blessed to have good shepherds. gary

I really need my Shepherd

2005-07-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

The words for Denise Jernigan's 1988 song were inspired by Psalms 100:3 - "We are His people, the sheep of His pasture."

"I am a Sheep"

I am a sheep and the Lord is me Shepherd
Watching over my soul!
My soul to keep guarding over me ever
Watching wherever I go!

And when the winds blow He is my shelter!
And when I'm lost and alone He rescues me!
And when the Lion comes He is my victory!
Constantly watching over me!
He is constantly watching over me!

We are His children and He is our Father
Watching over our soul!
Great is His love for His sons and His daughters!
Watching wherever we go!

Lord, help me to behave today... gc

I am a sheep

2005-06-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Last week we said "See You Later" to our good friend and fellow laborer, Mark Hale. Respected for his tireless years of ministry, Mark was well known in Oklahoma City for his youth groups at the Oakcrest Church... his organizational skills in the Work Camps (teens painting homes of the elderly)... and his exciting retreats and sessions of senior week at church camp.

One step into Mark's Study and you would understand his love for the concept of "I am a sheep." While I'm looking up the lyrics to that song (a new personal favorite that's stuck in my head between AWTG summer programs), allow me to share one of my favorite hymns with similar sentiments....

"THE NINETY AND NINE"

There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold,
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold;
Away on the mountains wild and bare,
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.

Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine,
Are they not enough for Thee?
But the Shepherd made answer:
“This of mine has wandered away from me,
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find my sheep.”

But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed
Nor how dark was the night that the Lord passed thro’
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Far out in the desert He heard its cry,
Twas sick and helpless and ready to die.

“Lord, whence are those blood-drops all the way
That marks out the mountain’s track?”
“They were shed for one who has gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.”
“Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?
They’re pierced tonight by many a thorn.”

But all thro’ the mountains, thunder-riv’n
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of heav’n,
“Rejoice, I have found my sheep.”
And the angels echoed around the throne,
“Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own.”