Fielding a fundraising team for the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center.

I am fielding a fundraising team for the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center’s Fall Fundraiser.

The center is a jewel here in western Oklahoma.  It helps those in need with food and some bills.  Yes, we do that in our local church bodies and in the ministerial alliance, but the WOFCC goes farther.  It has a medical and dental clinic for those who have fallen through the cracks in a time when in theory everyone must have medical insurance.    The need for medical and dental treatment among the poor is greater now than ever before.

The services are free to those who use them but that doesn’t mean there is no cost.  Donors have kept the doors open at this wonderful facility that services Beckham, Custer, Roger Mills, and Washita Counties.  For every $1 donated the WOFCC produces $1.41 worth of services.

Please consider the previous statement.  For every $1 donated the WOFCC produces $1.41 worth of services.  That’s quite the return on investment and we are always working to leverage our donations even more.

Our fall fund raiser is upon us.  If you are motivated to help me raise money to provide these essential services for those in need, please let me know soonest.

ARE YOU CRAZY?  YOU WANT ME TO WORK ONE MORE THING INTO MY NEVER ENDING SCHEDULE?

Yes to both.  I am crazy about this faith based organization that is God’s love in action in western Oklahoma and yes, I really do want you to come onboard and be a part of loving your neighbor.

Are we asking for money or other donations?

Yes to both.  Monetary donations help the most but some businesses may opt to give a gift certificate that can be used in the silent auction later on.

Sometimes I think people are just trying to get something for nothing and don’t need help.  How do I know that is not the case here?

There are always some who think they are better off trying to get something for nothing than to work for it.  We do see a few people like that.  Here’s the thing:  We introduce everyone to this wonderful thing called the gospel.  We challenge them to live a truly abundant life.  Yes, the WOFCC is a faith based organization.  Its board is composed of Christian men and women with longstanding faith and service in their churches and communities.  We know that there is a greater need to be met beyond the root canal, antibiotics, food basket, or water bill that we helped with in the short term.  We are an organization motivated to be more than a Band-Aid.  We desire to reach the hearts of all who come for services.

We are love in action and we do speak the truth in love.  Our staff and volunteers are as shrewd as snakes and as gentle as doves. 

I’m ready to get on board.  What do I do?

Stop by and see Tom or call him at 580 562 4706 or email at tomspence0302@gmail.com and we will get started.

Is there a cost to join the team?

All team members are asked to contribute $50.  This gives you a little skin in the game and gets you a banquet ticket for the 10 November 2015 main event.

Is there a theme for this year’s fundraising efforts?

Yes, this year’s theme is Survivor.  There will be some fun events along the way for teams to participate in and compete.

I’m not ready to be a part of a fundraising team, but I would like to donate.  What do I do?

You may drop a check made out to the WOFCC by Tom’s office (at the Burns Flat Cumberland Presbyterian Church) or mail it directly to the center at:

609 West E Avenue

Elk City OK 73648

I would like to make a recurring monthly donation.  What do I do?

This is exactly the type of donation that the WOFCC needs to sustain year-round services.  Please contact Krista Hererra at 580 225-5500.

Why are you a part of this?

I am Tom Spence.  I am the pastor of the Burns Flat Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  I am also an officer on the board of the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center.  I don’t have time for things that don’t please God.  I don’t get involved in frivolous causes.  I have learned to number my days and consider every minute precious to me, so when I was asked to serve on the WOFCC board; I gave it a thorough examination as I did not want to give my time or money to something that was mediocre or subsidized an entitlement mentality.

The WOFCC was and continues to be an example of what God’s people can do when we trust him and put our gifts, talents, and treasures to work.  This is a place that does more than it can do with less than it needs.

I want to see it fully equipped for every good work.  I want to see it touch everyone in our communities, not only the disadvantaged whom we help with food and services; but those who are called by God to be of service.  Money is only a part of the equation.  It is the part that we are focused upon right now; however, there is an ongoing need for volunteers.  If you are called to help others, the WOFCC may just be the venue for which you have been searching.

Why am I a part of this?  It is something that I believe pleases God.  It is one way that we may show ourselves to be disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is already in place and runs on a continuous improvement mindset, so all I had to do was get on board with my time, talent, and treasure.

I am on board and invite you to join me!

http://www.westokfcc.com/

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.

Backpack Ministry underway--seeking donations

For teachers, school is just a month away.  Students have a few days longer before their return to the classroom, but for those involved in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Backpack Ministry, school is in session now.

For the past several years, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has helped children with school supplies.  Normally, between 80 and 100 children are helped each year.  The church budgets a significant amount of money each year for this ministry.  The Vacation Bible School offering goes to purchase school supplies for children in our own community.  Often the Burns Flat – Dill City Ministerial Alliance makes a contribution, but most of the funds that make this ministry possible come from the generosity of individuals in the community.

If historical trends hold, the Backpack Ministry will need $5,000 to accomplish the mission this year.  For the past 7 years, every child that has come for help received help with almost 100% of their required supplies.  That means that many who have been blessed chose to bless others.

That will need to continue this year if those in need are to receive help once again.  For those parents who are able to purchase school supplies for their own children, please consider purchasing supplies for 1 or 2 more children.  It costs about $50 to outfit a child with a backpack and the supplies to fill it.

If you would like to donate to this local mission, you may make a check out to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and note “Backpacks” in the “for “ section of your check.  Drop the donation by the church building at 205 State Highway 44 in Burns Flat or mail it to PO Box 8, Burns Flat OK 73624.

Sign up dates for those needing help with school supplies will be announced soon.  Now is the time to call upon the generosity of the community once again as the school year approaches.

Book signing set for 18 July at the Sunshine Cafe

Local author Tom Spence will be signing books at the Sunshine Café in Cordell, Oklahoma on Saturday, 18 July 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  On Tuesday, 14 July 2015, Tom’s first novel, Even the Elect, will be released nationally by Tate Publishing.

Earlier this year, Tate released Throw Away Kids by Tom Spence.  This identifies a generation of children that has been abandoned by their parents.  Even though the children and parents may live under the same roof, the adults in this dynamic have walked away from parenting their children.  The book asks the question:  Are we concerned enough to get involved?

What does involvement mean?  Part of it is mentoring those who have thrown in the towel on parenting back to the calling they were given at the birth of their first child.  This book is not for the timid.  It is not for those who would prefer to continue pointing fingers.  It is for those ready to practice leadership at the community level and reclaim the family and community dynamic needed to bring up future generations in the way they should go.

Tom is a 1979 graduate of Oklahoma State University, a retired Marine Corps officer, and an ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  He currently resides in Burns Flat, Oklahoma.

Tom will have several of his other titles with him as well.  The Sunshine Café is located at 113 East Main Street in Cordell, Oklahoma.  That’s on the north side of the town square.

Tom’s books will be available at the signing for purchase.  All are available online through Tate Publishing, Createspace, and Amazon.com.

25th Annual Foss Lake Christmas in July set for 10 & 11 July 2015

It is time to mark your calendars for the 25^th Annual Foss Lake Christmas in July Festival, July 10th & 11^th.  This event is planned for the entire family!  Friday, July 10^th all the vendors will be in place by 1:00 with the opening ceremony at 6 pm at the Main Stage, where our veterans and current Military will be honored. The Cheyenne Community Choir, directed by Casey King, will present a medley of patriotic music. This year there will be a Bike Show following the Veterans program, where Foss Lake Association will match the proceeds from the entry fees and that will go to the VA Center in Clinton.   Show your support and appreciation for the men and women who have given their time and service to provide a free country in which we can reside!

Next up, Trader Price will be bringing a free concert on the Main stage from 8-11pm.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the music and the evening. Friday will also be a good time to go thru the vendors who will have jewelry, t-shirts, crafts and of course, great food. And, the kids always love the rides offered by the carnival.  These vendors are going to set up Friday and stay until late Saturday night, so come out and see all the fun things that they have to offer.

The Foss Lake Little King and Queen Pageant will is at 10:30 in the Main Stage area, and will be hosted by the reigning 2015 National Miss Teen, Sienna Salas..  Entry forms are available at Broadway Babies, Home on the Range, Stage and Carousel Connection in Elk City, the Pink Zebra in Clinton, B & K Bait House and the Park office at Foss Lake.  Come and cheer for these little ones as they take the stage.

The 9 hole Disc Golf Course will be open the entire weekend and is a great way for the family to have fun. The Gospel Music Jamboree will be in the Main stage area at 5 pm, Saturday, The festival will close with a spectacular fireworks display at dusk Saturday night will wrapping up the 25^th Annual Christmas in July Festival.

This event is sponsored by many area companies and businesses each year and organized by dedicated volunteers. Please support our sponsors when you have the opportunity and thank the volunteers who come and help. If you would like to help please contact Neva at 580-497-6217, Joe at 580-497-6130 or Eric at B & K Bait House – 580-592-4518. For information on the “Bike Show” contact Cindy Hunnicutt at 580-445-4450.

Foss Lake Association contributes to many projects around the lake.  One of the ways the Association helped  was with the purchase of a Side-scan sonar for Foss Lake. This piece of equipment helped solve two forty year old disappearance cases. Your donation at the entrance to the festival is greatly appreciated and will go towards other projects around the lake and camp grounds.

The water levels are up and most every doc is open, so, bring your boat, camper, tent, family and friends to the 25^th Annual Foss Lake Christmas in July Festival, July 10^th and 11^th.  This promises to be a fun filled weekend with events for everyone to enjoy. You can now reserve your camping spot by going to gocampok.com.  Reservations must be made 5 days in advance.  Foss Lake is located between Elk City and Clinton, North of Foss Oklahoma.  Just take I-40 to exit 53, go north on Hwy. 44 about 6 ½ miles to highway 73 west.  Go a few 100 yards west and on the right you will see the Foss Lake sign.  Follow the signs toward the Marina.

See you at Foss Lake July 10th & 11th!!

VBS begins next week

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church announced today that Vacation Bible School will be from Monday, 6 July through Friday, 10 July 2015.  This will once again be an evening format with registration beginning at 5:30 pm on Monday while the remainder of the week will have a 6:00 pm kickoff time.  Sessions end at 8:00 pm each day.  Parents are required to come into the sanctuary to claim their children.  No children will be released to walk home.  Children may not register themselves.  Parents must be present.

This year’s theme is SonSpark Labs VBS and will use a science theme as the kids go from Genesis to resurrection and life in Christ.

The Burns Flat Cumberland Presbyterian Church is located at 205 State Highway 44 in Burns Flat, Oklahoma.  That is just a hundred yards north of the town’s only traffic light on the east side of the highway.

The SonSpark Lab Techs eagerly await leading area children to a relationship with Jesus and helping them to understand the ongoing  relationship that leads to abundant life.