Laci Stegall recognized as Unsung Hero at WOFCC banquet

Two ladies from Burns Flat, Oklahoma were recognized Tuesday evening, 15 November 2016 as Unsung Heroes.   One of them was Laci Stegall.

Laci Stegall (right) following the Unsung Heroes Banquet

 An Unsung Hero, as the title suggests, is someone who day in and day out do the things than need to be done to make a cohesive, safe, and viable community out of whatever their surroundings may be.  These may be police, service men and women, emergency workers, or the person who climbs the power poles in the ice storm to get the power back on.

These people do what they do not for recognition or accolades, but because of a unique call to service that has come alive in them.  The Western Oklahoma Family Care Center recognized Laci Stegall at its fundraiser banquet last night in accordance with the following citation.

Laci is the mother of 2, finishing her student teaching next month, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, youth leader with her husband Garrett for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat, church camp counselor, and key member of the newly formed Parks and Recreation Committee for the Burns Flat community.  She is also found working the church kitchen, singing in the choir, and taking her turn in the nursery or attending to a special needs child.  She is also frequently engaged assisting her husband in many ways as he coaches various youth sports in the community.  These things she does without accolades, medals, or monetary incentive.  She is the epitome of the unsung hero.

Of all the things that she pours herself into, her role on the Parks and Recreation Committee for the town has resulted in revitalized baseball fields, a new skate park, a color run, and most recently a town birthday celebration that truly promoted a sense of community more than anything the town has done in 2 decades.

Laci is an unsung hero and truly deserving of this recognition.

Backpack Ministry kicks off in Burns Flat – Dill City

For the past decade, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat, Oklahoma has helped needy children with school supplies.  The church consistently helps between 75 and 100 children.

This year, the church plans once again to help all of the local elementary children who need supplies but can’t afford them.

Concurrently, the church is asking the community to respond to this need with money, supplies, and other gifts-in-kind.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church offerings taken up at Vacation Bible School were dedicated to purchasing school supplies.  If historical trends continue, several individuals in the community will find Pastor Tom sometime over the next two weeks and give him a donation for this much-needed ministry.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church will also take up special offerings over the next two weeks to support this ministry.  Historically, it costs about $50 to outfit a child with supplies.  That means that the need is $5,000.

Registration to receive supplies will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday 3 August 2016.  Dates and times for issue will be provided at that time.

Parents must come in person to register.  There are no “qualifying conditions” to receive supplies for households with children enrolled in the Burns Flat – Dill City School System.  All are reminded that these are not “free supplies” available for the taking, but supplies for those who need them and cannot afford them.  Parents are asked not to register for supplies just because there is no charge, but to assist the ministry in stretching the supplies and funds available to those who need them most.

Groups and individuals desiring to donate to this local ministry may stop by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church or mail checks to CPC, Box 8, Burns Flat, OK 73624.  Please note “Backpack Ministry” in the for line of the check.

The church is located at 205 State Highway 44 in Burns Flat.  That is immediately north and east of the town’s only traffic light.

Frequently Needed Supplies

Crayons (both 48 and 24 count)

Colored pencils

Large bottle of Elmer’s Glue

Jumbo Glue Sticks

Markers

Pencils (#2) Box

Pencils (#2) Box of pre-sharpened

Washable Classic Colors Markers (Box)

Water colors

Disinfecting wipes

Blunt tip scissors

Fiskar sharp-pointed scissors

Kindermat

Crazy for Color Fun Run is tomorrow morning

Crazy for Color has come to Burns Flat America!

That sounds great, but I have no idea what it is.  It is a 5K (3.1 mile) fun run that kicks off at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.  The registration and check-in begin at 9:00 a.m at the city pool which is located at 102 Sooner Drive in Burns Flat, Oklahoma.

So what’s the Crazy for Color part?

Throughout the course, race participants will experience color splash zones.  Yes, people will be splashing color on you.  You might want to wear glasses and something white.

Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome.  Yes, you can bring your stroller, and yes the color is nontoxic and will wash off.

Now here is the big question:  Why?  

Why would anyone hold a crazy run like this?

It is to raise money for the Parks and Recreation Committee for future improvements to our community.  If you haven’t noticed, baseball fields have been improved and the town has a new skate park.  The Parks and Recreation folks have ignited the pride in long-term members of our community and want to make Burns Flat a great place to live and raise a family.

This Crazy for Color 5K run is a fun way to raise some money.  Entry fee is $25 and may be paid at the town hall or at registration.

Crazy for Color

5K Fun Run

Burns Flat City Pool

Saturday - 18 June 2016

9:00 a.m. – Registration

10:00 a.m. – Race Starts

Entry Fee - $25

Come and have some fun for a very good cause!

Backpack Ministry helps 125 children

In the course of just 2 hours this past Wednesday evening, 122 children received backpacks, grade appropriate school supplies, gospels, and wristbands that read:  GOD LOVES YOU – LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  Within the next 24 hours, 3 other children were given supplies.  Some other latecomers are anticipated in the days ahead.

The Backpack Ministry is a ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat, Oklahoma but engages the entire community.  Individuals and business alike augmented the amount budgeted for supplies by the church.  Savvy shoppers made the most of off season bargains to maximize the funds available.  That savings was essential as the number of children helped increased by almost 50% over previous years.

Despite the throughput, this was a relaxed and deliberate process where helpers were able to talk with parents as children picked out backpacks and other helpers brought them the supplies to fill them.  Everyone received a Gospel of John.  Many adults and children received Bibles, and anyone who was hungry took home food.

What’s next on the horizon for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church missions team?  Trunk or Treat on 31 October 2015.  The motto of the Burns Flat Cumberland Presbyterian Church is God’s Love in Action.

Backpack sign up set for Friday, 7 August 2015

School enrollment is underway.  The stores are stocked with supplies.  The aisles are full of parents searching desperately for the specific brand of a specific marker for a specific class.  It can be stressful.  It can be really stressful if you are one of those parents and after you find as many of the supplies as you can you don’t know if you have enough money to pay for them.

There is help.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat, Oklahoma is once again conducting the backpack ministry.  Parents who cannot afford to buy school supplies this year and who have children attending Will Rogers Elementary School should come by the church building from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, 7 August 2015.  The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is located at 205 State Highway 44 in Burns Flat; that’s just north and east of the traffic light.

Children do not need to attend the sign up but must attend the pickup.  It is at the issue of supplies where the ministry takes place.  Children help children pick out a backpack while other helpers bring the supplies to the family and all gather for prayer to bless the family and the school year ahead.

When do my children pick up their supplies?  Pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, 12 August 2015.  Each family will be given an appointment so as to minimize the waiting time.

What about children who attend the junior high or high school?  They may sign up as well and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church will provide some help.  Unlike elementary grades, standardized school supply lists published in advance are not available but the church will work with these students in meeting specific needs as identified.

Why does the church do this?  It is about being God’s love in action—taking his love to the world.  In this instance, this part of the body of Christ thought that a very good way to love one another was to help with school supplies so that every child could get off to a good start this school year.  Yes, there is an agenda here but it is far from a hidden agenda.  Everywhere these followers of Jesus go, they remind people that God loves them and that we are to love one another.