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

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

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

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

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

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

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!