Below is a collection of church news items from the September Digital Messenger. To read the full publication, click here.
Caleb Freeman Speaks at Oklahoma Baptist Retirees Luncheon
Caleb Freeman suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in a near fatal car accident in 2017 and was not expected to live. God chose not only to spare Caleb’s life, but also to miraculously begin healing him. Now, Caleb and his dad, Jeremy—lead pastor at Newcastle, First—share the hope of the Gospel through their family’s #butGod story. They presented an update on Caleb’s amazing journey on Aug. 4 during a luncheon meeting of the Central Oklahoma Baptist Retirees Association.
Affinity Ministry Leaders Connect With SBC Executive Committee Leader
On August 18 at Oklahoma Baptists offices, Charles Grant, Associate Vice President for Convention Partnerships of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, spent time with various Oklahoma Baptist state convention ministry leaders and pastors. Grant shared how SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg is working to connect with state conventions and local churches, with resources. Representing Oklahoma Baptists at the meeting was Walter Wilson, African American Ministry Partner; Emerson Falls, Native American Ministry; Ever Borunda, Hispanic Ministry Partner; among others.
Tulsa, Southwood Celebrates 50th Anniversary
TULSA—Later this month, Tulsa, Southwood will be celebrating their 50th anniversary. The event will begin at 12 p.m. on Sept. 26 with a potluck lunch, followed by an open house walkthrough experience of their church building. The next day at 8:30 a.m., a continental breakfast will be held in the student center. At 10 a.m., a celebration service will be held in the worship center with a catered picnic afterwards. “We warmly invite current and former members, their families and our community to join us as we honor our rich history and embrace the future God has prepared,” Tulsa, Southwood said.
60th Anniversary of Cleveland, Westport
The anniversary celebration will be on Sunday, September 27 from 4-7 PM. Doors open at 3:30 PM and dinner will be served at 4:00 PM. The celebration will include a message from former Westport pastor Ray Earley and a special concert by 8th Street, a Southern Gospel singing group.
Yale, First Celebrates 125th Anniversary
On Sept. 20, Yale, First will be celebrating their 125th anniversary. The congregation first met in Pleasant Ridge School in 1901 as Pleasant Ridge Church. A new structure was built in 1903 from donated logs and the congregation officially became Yale, First, four years before Oklahoma achieved statehood. Some of the first members of what is now Yale, First were homesteaders in the Oklahoma Territory. The church has a long history of mission work and youth outreach programs. In preparation for the celebration, Yale, First asks that any historic photos or memories be shared with Mary Matlock at marymatlock128@gmail.com.
‘The Scope of Biblical Prophecy’ by Donald Whitchard Releases
This book is an introduction to Bible prophecy that avoids typical sensationalism, offering a scholarly yet accessible approach with an evangelistic appeal. It covers the definition and role of the biblical prophet, the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah, the rebirth of Israel in Ezekiel, the prophecies of Jesus, and a survey of major end-time viewpoints. Whitchard is a graduate of New Orleans Seminary and has been in Gospel ministry since 1986. To purchase the book, visit https://drwhitchardteaches.org.
Enid, Garland Road to Host Campfire Revival
For the first time in several decades, Enid, Garland Road will host a Campfire Revival on Saturday, October 3. Enid, Garland Road invites all 8th-12th graders in the area to join them. They also ask prayers from their fellow Oklahoma Baptists as they share the enduring hope of Jesus Christ around the campfire with these students. Will you join them in prayer? For more information, call Hannah Summers at 405-481-9280.
