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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Friday, January 1, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES EDUCATION RELIGION SPORTS LOCALWelcome 1999 — Here Comes 2000 Welcome 1999 — Here Comes 2000By B.J. REYES Associated Press Writer From Times Square to the Space Needle, hundreds of thousands of people celebrated amid pyrotechnics, balloons and confetti as they ushered in the new year with an eye toward the real party 365 days from now. In short, a party like it’s 1999. Bundled in layers and wrapped in blankets, an estimated 500,000 people jammed Times Square in 20-degree weather that felt more like zero in the wind chill. Three ... two ... one ... Happy New Year! ‘‘It’s beautiful, Moet & Chandon, New York, fireworks. ... I love it,’’ said Opher Heyman, 24, of Miami as he tipped a plastic glass of champagne toward a flashing 1999 sign. ‘‘This is the most awesome thing I’ve ever seen,’’ Shari Rossoy of St. Paul, Minn. At the stroke of midnight, more than 15,000 balloons showered the crowd and fireworks and 42 spotlights — including the ‘‘50K Space Cannon’’ — illuminated the sky. The light cannon is said to be visible from Mars. Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Chinese gymnast Sang Lan, paralyzed in a fall at last summer’s Goodwill Games, pressed the button that sent the New Year’s Eve ball on its last, slow descent at One Times Square. It will be replaced by a Waterford Crystal ball for New Year’s Eve 1999. Midnight meant fireworks at Seattle’s Space Needle. And in Boston, with a cacophony and burst of color to rival any Mardi Gras, a parade of costumed monsters and the planets of the solar system kicked off the city’s First Night festivities, culminating in midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor. It wasn’t exactly Times Square, but about 5,000 people gathered in the Lake Erie resort city of Port Clinton, Ohio, to welcome 1999 with a salute to the town’s biggest industry — sport fishing. The crowd braved the 15-degree weather to watch a large Fiberglas walleye lowered from a crane. Las Vegas authorities had canceled many outdoor activities to control the crowd this year. Still, an estimated 250,000 to 400,000 lined the Strip as the clock struck midnight. Local resident Matt Berry, 25, opted for a subdued celebration. ‘‘The past two years we would go with the crowd, but that was just too tiring,’’ said Berry as he sat in a lawn chair, wrapped in a blanket. ‘‘This year we’re just people watching. Next year we may go to Pasadena because we think they’ll have trouble controlling the crowds here.’’ Just across the state line, in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., some revelers got a little too rowdy, as police arrested more than 100 people at a street party. ‘‘It’s typical New Year’s craziness, bizarreness,’’ said Leona Allen, a South Lake Tahoe police dispatcher. ‘‘It’s just one major orgy and it gets really, really ugly.’’ A celebration was canceled in New Orleans after fireworks being loaded onto a barge exploded minutes before the craft was to be towed into the Mississippi River for a New Year’s Eve display. Two fireworks technicians were killed and a sheriff’s deputy was severely burned. For many organizers, this year’s celebrations served as a run-through for the next New Year’s Eve. In Las Vegas, authorities say as many as 700,000 people will welcome in the new millennium on the Strip next December. Police used Thursday night to gauge how well they might be able to control next year’s crowd. ‘‘We’re expecting next year to be very large,’’ said Steve Meriwether, a Las Vegas police spokesman. Organizers of the Times Square bash tested some of the special effects planned for next time. ‘‘We only get one chance to try this out live,’’ said Jeffrey Strauss, president of Countdown Entertainment, a marketing company that represents the ball and the building on which it sits. Freezing Rain Has Oklahoma Slipping AwayFrom Staff and AP Reports North Central Oklahoma woke up to the new year with a glaze of ice covering roads and just about everything else. A light rain quickly froze as it hit the ground, making streets treacherous in Ponca City and the rest of the northern part of the state. More rain and snow were in the forecast for today and Saturday. Forecasters said the northeastern part of Oklahomans would bear the brunt of a winter storm moving through the area during the holiday weekend. Cold temperatures in the north and northeast created freezing rain and hazardous travel conditions in some spots. The National Weather Service in Tulsa issued a freezing rain advisory for much of the northeast indicating that while significant ice accumulations were not expected today, freezing rain was likely and could create travel problems. Craig, Ottawa, Delaware and Mayes counties were under a winter storm warning issued by the Tulsa weather service early today because of the freezing rain and possibility of snow accumulations tonight. Much of the area was expected to see freezing rain switch first to rain and then to snow as the day wore on. The weather service also issued a winter storm watch for late Thursday night through Saturday for 26 counties in eastern Oklahoma. The weather service in Norman issued a winter storm watch for seven counties in north central Oklahoma for Friday and Friday night because of a chance of light freezing rain, sleet and snow. An upper level storm system was responsible for the wintry weather. The approaching system was expected to bring moisture northward over the cold and dry air in place through early Friday. The central part of Oklahoma seemed likely to escape much of the dangerous weather. Temperatures, while cold, remained above freezing in the central and west which kept ice from forming on roads, bridges and highways. However, forecasters at the National Weather Service in Norman, said winds would switch to a northerly direction late in the day and could cause rain to switch to freezing rain and snow. No significant accumulation was expected. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported early in the day that an icy glaze and black ice was on roads in Ponca City, the Tulsa area, the Vinita area and Muskogee. Temperatures across southern areas of the state could stay above freezing with only rain during the day Friday. The wintry precipitation was expected to end early Saturday with temperatures expected in the 20s. Wind chills through Saturday should be near or below zero. El Mercado de Mateo Aids the BeleaguredFor the second year, First Presbyterian Church, through the youth of the church, invited the church members and their friends to a unique Christmas market, hosted during the month of December. Vitamins for a newborn, camp-erships for youth, and sewing classes were among the genuine gifts available at El Mercado de Mateo (Matthew’s Market). The market offered shoppers the opportunity to give help and hope to the beleaguered people living on the Mexico-U.S. border. Market coordinator Larry Wil-liams, says, “The gifts available in El Mercado de Mateo help the poor and desperate. Instead of buying presents for our family and friends that they may not really need or want, we can give gifts of aid and opportunity to our deserving neighbors south of the border,” All of the gifts purchased at the market will be sent to Presbyterian Border Ministry which will put them right to work assisting people in need. As individuals purchased the gifts, they received special Christmas cards, with the gift inscribed, to mail or give to family and friends as distinctive presents. Shoppers, recipients, and impoverished people all receive the joy of the holiday season in this uncommon alternative to the usual commercial celebration. DEATHSLorene Evelyn Rodgers Lorene Evelyn RodgersLorene Evelyn Rodgers, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 85. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Jan. 2, 1999, at 11 a.m. at the Cherokee (Okla.) Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. Lorene Evelyn (Wilson) Rodgers was born on Aug. 27, 1913, in Beaver, to Walter and Nellie Wilson. She attended and graduated from Beaver Schools. She married Don Rodgers on Aug. 15, 1947, in Cherokee. He preceded her in death on May 28, 1982. Mrs. Rodgers attended nurses training school in Cherokee. She worked for the Cherokee Hospital and in private practice for a few years before the couple moved to Stillwater where they ran a college dormitory. The couple moved to Ponca City in the late 1970s where Mrs. Rodgers was employed as a nurse for St. Joseph Regional Medical Center until her retirement in 1982. She was a member of Community Christian Church and enjoyed reading. She is survived by one brother, Marvin Wilson of Ponca City and two nephews, Marvin Eugene Wilson of Plano, Texas, and Billy Ray Wilson of Pampa, Texas. In addition to her husband, her parents and one sister preceded in death. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601. FuneralsSaturdayElva Lea HendersonFuneral at 2 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery. Stephen A. HintonFuneral to be at 10 a.m. at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Ponca City. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, Ponca City. Lillie A. SeborMass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. An evening vigil service will be held Friday, Jan. 1, at the funeral home. Orla Ancle FlakerFuneral to be at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church in Blackwell. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. David Loren MooreFuneral to be 2 p.m. at the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home chapel in Tonkawa. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery. Patrick T. EdwardsMemorial service at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Midland, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, Midland. PendingFern H. SimmonsTAHLEQUAH — Fern H. Simmons, former Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Dec. 31, 1998, in Tahlequah. Arrangements are pending with Hart Funeral Home, Tahlequah. NEWS BRIEFSStorage Burglary — Police received a call of burglary to a storage unit in the 2100 block of North Union at 6:08 a.m. Thursday. A report was taken. Carpet Need Cleaning? Confused about who or what to use? Call Floorcraft 762-8381, let us help you make the right choice. Call Mr. Clean at Floorcraft. adv. Auto Burglarized — A subject reported from the 1900 block of North Union at 7:59 a.m. Thursday that a vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned but was unable to locate the reporting party. Being Relocated, or in town for a short time. We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681. adv. Minor Accident — A minor accident was reported at 8:15 a.m. Thursday at Fifth and Hartford. A report was taken. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv. Arrest Assistance — Osage County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 8:45 a.m. Thursday to arrest at 40-year-old man from the 1500 block of Hudson for domestic assault and battery. Embezzlement Reported — A business in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth reported an embezzlement to police at 9:29 a.m. Thursday. A report was taken. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv. Truck Burglarized — Police received a report at 9:36 a.m. Thursday of a truck being broken into in the 300 block of East Cleveland. A report was taken. Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv. Car Burglary — A car was reported broken into at 9:51 a.m. Thursday in the 600 block of North Pine. A report was taken. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6- 8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv. Garage Break-in — A resident of the 2800 block of Field Crest reported to police of a garage break-in. Entry was gained but nothing taken. Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef bris- ket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $6.95. 4-8 p.m. 1217 East Prospect. avd. Hit and Run — Police received a call of a hit-and-run in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth at 2:09 p.m. Thursday. A report was taken. No Injury — Police investigated a non-injury accident at 9:45 p.m. Thursday in the 900 block of East Prospect. Due To mechanical difficulties, there will not be a dart tour- nament Saturday, January 2 at the Blue Lite Lounge. adv. Meter Tampering — A subject from the 2500 block of Windsor Road reported at 5:16 p.m. Thursday that someone had vandalized the box around a gas meter. A report was taken. Assault Report — Police took a report of an assault by two juveniles on a subject in the 400 block of South Palm at 5:38 p.m. Thursday. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Mess Cleaned Up — Police took a report at 8:55 p.m. Thursday of youngsters “toilet-papering” a house. An officer contacted the youths’ parents and the mess was cleaned up. Car Towed — Police stopped a 54-year-old man in the 800 block of North Union at 11:42 p.m. Thursday for driving under the influence and possessing an open container. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Kaw City Old Town Cafe, chicken enchiladas. Sunday $5.89 all day, January 3. adv. AW2 Redleaf Returns from Cruise — AW2 (NAC/AW) Acey Redleaf, has just returned from his second cruise to the Persian Gulf. Redleaf is an aviation combat swimmer/door gunner and is a member of Helicoptor Squadron 46. He is a 1990 graduate of Ponca City High School, joining the Navy in September of 1994, currently stationed in Jacksonville, Fla. He has re-enlisted for another five years of service. He was home for the holidays visiting with family and friends. Acey is the son of Tom and June Price of 113 Viola Ave., and the late Randy Redleaf. Tonkawa Sailor Completes Deployment — Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeff W. Davis, son of Larry W. and Betty D. Davis of Tonkawa, recently completed a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham LincolnDavis and crew members had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. While in Hong Kong, the group participated in Project Handclasp providing humanitarian aid to a disaster relief organization, a school for the mentally handicapped and an international Christian school. The 1992 graduate of Tonkawa High School joined the Navy in January 1995. LIFESTYLESWater Exercise At YMCA Has New Class Set Water Exercise At YMCA Has New Class SetStarting Jan. 4, there will be a new exercise opportunity offered at the Ponca City YMCA. Wet ’N Wild, a coed water aerobic class with new instructor Korri Maple, will be offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 6:15-7 p.m. at the Community Pool reports Susan Henning, water exercise coordinator. Ms. Henning adds “Korri comes to Ponca City with teaching experience gained at the South Side Oklahoma City YMCA, and is full of enthusiasm and energy.” This class offers a time slot for those getting off work with a need to be re-energized after a long day and to do something good for themselves, not only physically, but to reduce the stress of the day said Ms. Henning. The class format will include 25-30 minutes of aerobic activity, plus muscle toning, strengthening, and stretching segments. “This might be a chance to take off those few holiday pounds you gained” encourages Ms. Henning. She said many people follow the “Yo-Yo” dieting and the “best way to maintain a weight loss and improve body composition is to exercise to raise metabolism while also reducing caloric intake.” A water class format allows the participant to work out aerobically to increase basal metabolism and at the same time move against the resistance of the water for muscle toning and strengthening. The water also aids in the prevention of overheating and improves circulation. Many participants find the comradeship of a group exercise class helps them stick to an exercise routine for longer periods of time. Instructors encourage students to wear some type of shoe, either those made specifically for the water or an inexpensive pair of tennis shows to protect the soles of the feet and to add resistance. Participants can either wear swimsuits or some may prefer exercise shorts and T-shirts. No swimming skills are required. For more information about this class or any of the other exercise classes at the YMCA, call 765-5417. Little NewsDon and Julie Howard of Ponca City announce the birth of a son, Trevor Allen, at 8:31 p.m. Dec. 19, 1998, at the Stillwater Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 7-pounds, 2-ounces and was 19-inches long. Paternal grandparents are Don and Patti Howard, and maternal grandparents are Tom and Carol Green, all of Ponca City. Maternal great-grandparents are John and Thelma Lansdown, and Edna Green, all of Ponca City, and the late Lewis Green. Scott and Kendal Grein of Shawnee are the parents of a daughter, born at 2:39 p.m. Dec. 22, 1998, at the Women’s Renaissance Center in Midwest City. Brenna Renee Grein weighed 7-pounds, 1-ounce, and measured 20 1/2-inches long. Maternal grandparents are Cecil and Virginia Howeth of Tonkawa and paternal grandparents are Jim and Judy Grein, also of Tonkawa. Great-grandparents are Evelyn Grein of Seward, Neb., Bette Ream of Wayne, Neb., and Mary Holland of Sulphur. EDUCATIONStudent Appears in Play School NewsStudent Appears in PlayEmily Phillips of Ponca City appeared in the Virginia premiere of “Eclipsed,” a new Irish play presented this fall by the Randolph-Macon Woman’s College Department of Theatre. She is the daughter of Dan and Janie Phillips. OU Fall Honor RollThe fall honor roll has been released from the University of Oklahoma. Students receiving a minimum 3.5 grade point average were Sarah Armstrong, Matthew Brown, Rhett Butler, Mark Cagley, Jennifer Connelly, Joey Ferguson, Keri Ferguson, Mathew Harrison, Clayton Keyes, Adam Lanman, Jennifer Lucas, Mai Ly McCoy, Jamie McGee, Lyndsey Merrifield, Daniel Mulligan, Julie Schiltz, Chad Soucek, Samuel Stalcup, Karen Stokke, Eric Wolf and Ethan Zaitshik. Those receiving a 4.0 grade point average were Molly Baugh, Kristen Day, Zachary Hodge, Angela Luis, Jennifer Martin, Kevin Priba, Sarah Schiltz, Dale Simpson and Matthew Szabo. Strickland GraduatesRegan Strickland, 1995 Po-Hi graduate and daughter of Gary and Lilly Strickland of Ponca City, graduated from Oklahoma City University on Dec. 11 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. KU Announces ScholarshipsMichael Newman received two scholarships from the University of Kansas for the fall 1998 semester. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Newman. TSA Members Attend Leadership ConferenceFrontier TSA members recently attended the Fairview TSA Leadership Conference. Middle School students Alex Black and Reggie Weckstein teamed up to earn 8th place in Leadership Challenge. Alexa Black’s balsa glider gained a 10th place ranking in the Flight Challenge competition. Reggie Weckstein’s bridge design was evaluated and his construction technique tested in Structural Challenge earning him a third place trophy and a chance to compete at the Oklahoma State TSA Conference. The High School team of Joyce Helmes and Dusty Patrick brought home the 1st place trophy n Technology Problem Solving and the right to go on to compete at the Oklahoma State TSA Conference. Joyce and Dusty placed 5th in Technology Bowl written test and went on to secure the 3rd place trophy in the Technology Bowl Oral competition. PC Education Committee Discusses PIE Updates at December MeetingSeveral educators, business leaders and committee members attended the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee meeting on Dec. 1 to discuss PIE Program Updates. Principal Patty Ladd of Garfield reported that the partnership with the Lunch Buddy Program is going very well. Garfield also hosted an Open House on Dec. 7 where students and parents could view the school. Volunteer Program Sandy James reported that Dr. Bill White, superintendent, is gathering the list of needs from the school administrators. After the information is gathered, it will be distributed in the Chamber newsletter and in local church bulletins. Cathy Ferguson mentioned that she visited with the First Baptist Church and they will be filling the tutoring and mentoring needs at Liberty School. Ann Bandy visited with Denny Hook, pastor at the Fist United Methodist Church, and mentioned that they were very interested in helping with the mentoring project. Richard Severance informed the committee that the YMCA and Salvation Army are also providing mentors and tutors for students. After a lengthy discussion, the committee determined that representatives from the YMCA, Salvation Army, First United Methodist and First Baptist Church and Rotary need to be invited to attend the education meeting so that they can coordinate all the efforts. New Business Sandy James announced that Dr. White, Dr. Sally Downey and Ann Bandy recently completed radio spots to inform citizens of what is going on in the education system. Lisa Coy distributed the Program of Work for 1999 for the Education Committee. She encouraged everyone to take the time to read the goals that are a result of the Chamber Planning Session. Richard Severance suggested that reading should be stressed more with the Slice and PIE Programs. Dr. White informed the committee that a power point presentation is available to show the positive effects of the bond issue which will come up for vote in February. Anyone interested in seeing the presentation should contact Dr. White or Dr. Scroggins. Richard Severance also mentioned that each committee member needs to visit with groups and organizations that they are involved in to determine if they would be interested in the presentation. Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent of PTC, announced that the school is looking into the possibility of starting up two new health programs (Physical Therapy Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant) in conjunction with Northern Oklahoma College. PTC is also working to get the third pilot site for a Math and Science School in Ponca City. Oklahoma Higher Education Addresses Issues Made by a Citizens CommissionOKLAHOMA CITY — One year after approving a plan to implement 44 recommendations made by a citizens commission to position Oklahoma higher education for the opening decades of the 21st century, the State Regents for Higher Education have announced that all of the recommendations have been addressed. The recommendations — which focus on Oklahoma’s changing population, economic development, technology, funding, and administration and management — were made by 36 Oklahomans serving on the Citizens’ Commission on the Future of Oklahoma Higher Education. The Regents established the commission in October 1996 to help them develop a multi-year guide for Oklahoma higher education. “The commission’s recommendations have been a practical guide for preparing Oklahoma higher education to effectively meet the future needs of Oklahomans,” said State Regents Chairman John Massey. “The commission’s hard work has helped the board to focus on the challenges facing the state’s higher education system and on workable solutions to those challenges. “We are pleased to announce that all of the commission’s recommendations have been addressed in full or in part by 101 actions of the State Regents and through numerous initiatives on college and university campuses,” Massey said. Regents noted that they targeted $24.9 million, or 39 percent, or higher education’s new state funds in 1998-99 to the implementation of the recommendations. The following accomplishments were among those highlighted recently by the Regents: Demographics and Changing Markets* Regents established the Oklahoma Electronic Campus, which provides online information on hundreds of courses being offered electronically by state colleges and universities. * Regents have undertaken a statewide learning site initiative that utilizes existing higher education campuses to address unmet higher education needs around the state. * College preparation publications and student information Web pages have been developed for Oklahoma students and their parents. * On an institutional level, 22 state colleges and universities have developed voluntary graduation plans to help students complete specified degree programs in a timely manner. Economic Development * Regents approved the creation of a career and employment services Web site for Oklahoma college and university students and alumni and Oklahoma employers. * Colleges and universities across the state have developed customized degree programs for business and industry that in many cases are available at the business site. * At the state’s comprehensive universities, initiatives — including the development of research parks — are underway to prepare for opportunities granted by the passage of State Questions 680 and 681, which foster the transfer of research from colleges and universities to the marketplace. Technology * Oklahoma became part of the Western Governors University, which offers programs based on competency achievement. * Regents allocated $124,000 for a cooperative curriculum development project in which faculty in 11 discipline areas from across the state work together to evaluate and recommend multimedia course materials for electronic offerings. * Regents approved a policy calling for students entering Oklahoma colleges and universities for the first time in fall 1998 and after to demonstrate a mastery of computer skills upon graduation. Higher Education Funding* Thanks to a $64.6 million increase in state funds for higher education in 1998-99, funding for Oklahoma’s state system of colleges and universities — including state appropriations, tuition and fees — is 68 cents on the dollar, up from 64 cents on the dollar last year. * Approximately 6 percent of Oklahoma higher education’s 1998-99 budget is categorized as incentive funding. * Recently, an Oklahoma two-year college was one of only two community colleges in the nation to receive a $400,000, three-year grant for promoting economic development in low-income communities. Administration and Management* Regents approved a proposal to implement a system to electronically transfer student records among Oklahoma colleges and universities, enabling institutions to transfer student records more quickly and more accurately and at a much lower cost. * Oklahoma higher education undertook a joint effort with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to provide Oklahoma library patrons online access to full-text articles from more than 2,200 magazines, newspapers and journals. * Several state colleges and universities are enhancing cooperative efforts and sharing administrative functions. In accepting the year-end report on the Citizens’ Commission, Regents announced that they would continue building on the commission’s recommendations in the coming year. Regents will also undertake efforts to improve student preparation for college and the state’s intellectual capital, as well as a comprehensive review of the state’s business programs. In addition, Regents will seek greater authority and flexibility in the fee- and tuition-setting process and adequate student financial aid. Regents will also continue to request state funds needed to match private donations already made to teaching and research endowments and encourage institutional collaboration and the merger of functions. RELIGION‘Come Let Us Reason Together’ Church Briefs‘Come Let Us Reason Together’The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public to share God’s word with them every week. Sunday Bible classes are set for 9:30 a.m. with worship at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday evening service at 6 p.m. The Wednesday services is set for 7 p.m. and classes are available for all ages. “Jesus said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’ Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:44-45. Why not resolve to read the whole Bible this year? How different the year 2000 would like if you could look back on 12999 with this sense of accomplishment. If you read the Bible daily this year, you will be wise and better prepared to enter a new millennium. You need to read three chapters a day, six days a week and five chapters each Sunday. You could read the three a day from Old Testament and five on Sunday from the New Testament. Sound like a good idea? First Lutherans End Formal Christmas SeasonThe services at First Lutheran Church on Jan. 3 will mark an end to the formal Christmas season. The hymns, readings, and sermon at both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services will still ring forth with the great Christmas message of the angels, ‘Christ the Lord is born.” Pastor Ramsey’s sermon titled is “Bonded by the Birth: Announcing the Blessed Event.” Just as the angels announced the birth to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, so we are to be the messengers of today. Therefore, a litany for the Mite Box is included in the service. The money that is contributed through the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League’s Mite Box is used for financial support to those students who are preparing for full-time work in the church. Holy Communion will be celebrated in both services. The congregation invites all who are looking for a church home to join them in worship at either of the morning services or at the alternative service that is held on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Begin the new year with the Lord in His house. First Assembly of God Invites Women to Bible StudyFirst Assembly of God Church, located at 1308 East Bradley, extends an open invitation to the public to attend a Women’s Bible Study beginning Jan. 4. “To Live Is Christ,” written by Beth Moore, traces the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul, from his childhood to his death. You will become acquainted with Paul’s humanity, and perhaps realize he was not so unlike the rest of us, proof that God can greatly use any one of us if we are fully available and readily cooperative! Two sessions will be offered, one on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., and one on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. This eleven week study will include an hour of video and an hour of discussion group. There will be a $20 fee for workbooks. Child care will be available at a minimal cost. The first session is an introduction video, so please come and see how this study will minister to you. If you have an questions, please call Dana Hines at 765-7649, or the church office at 762-2401. Epiphany Pageant PlannedEpiphany or Twelfth Night is the twelfth day after Christmas and marks the end of the Christmas holiday. This festival, which is older than Christmas, is celebrated each year at Grace Episcopal Church in Ponca City. This year’s celebration will be at 7 p.m. on the evening of January 6. The festival originated in the Eastern Church and was mentioned by Clement of Alexandria in A.D. 200. The earliest mention of the observance of Christmas on Dec. 25 is in the list of Roman bishops compiled in 354, according to the Rev. Ken Armstrong, rector at Grace Church. “Epiphany” is a Greek word for “Manifestation” or “showing forth”. In the Eastern Church, by the fourth century, it was considered equal to Easter and Pentecost as one of the three great festivals. A Twelfth Night or Epiphany cake was baked in honor of the three kings. This is another example of a pagan custom being given a Christian significance. A coin was placed in the cake and the recipient became king or queen for that night. (This custom is still observed by members of the Grace Church parish). The Epiphany season continues until Lent, but as the Lenten season depends on the moveable date of Easter, it may have been one to six Sundays, each with its own story. The season of Epiphany begins at Grace Episcopal Church with the annual Festival of Lights and Epiphany Pageant and party at 7 o’clock Sunday evening. Director again this year is Laura Hines, who last year succeeded Cary Emig, who had directed the event for the several years previously. This is the 52nd Anniversary of the epiphany Pageant and party at Grace Church, first begun in 1945. The Epiphany Pageant features the visitation of the Three Wise Men, who were the first Gentiles to proclaim Jesus as Lord. It signifies the light of Christ in the world. No one knows who the Wise Men were or from where they came. The Bible records only “...there came wise men from the east...” The gifts they brought according to Scripture, “gold and frankincense and myrrh,” are symbolic of Christ. Christ is King and gold was presented to Him by the first Wise Man. Christ is Lord and He was given frankincense by the second Wise Man. On the Old Testament and pagan altars incense was burned to represent prayer rising to God. Christians offer prayers to Christ as Lord. In his wisdom, the third Wise Man brought myrrh, perfumed oil used to anoint the body of the dead, thereby informing the world that Christ would die to be the Savior of all men, the Rev. Mr. Armstrong. The public is invited to join with the folks at Grace Church for this Twelfth Night event. First UMC Calls Gail DaughertyFirst United Methodist Church welcomes their new associate minister, Gail Daugherty and her daughter, Gabrielle. Gail has served the last two and a half year at Carmen and Dacoma United Methodist churches. She recently finished graduate studies at Phillips Theological Seminary. Her daughter, Gabrielle, attended high school at Alva and is a sophomore. Prior to moving to Carmen, Gail had been living in Tulsa where she completed graduate studies at Oral Roberts University. She taught courses at Tulsa Community College and Bacone College. While in Tulsa, Gabrielle was involved in competitive swimming. She desires to pursue a singing career and is looking forward to enriching her love for singing while at Ponca City. They both love the arts, tennis and look forward to enjoying all the wonderful things that they have heard about Ponca City. Gail’s parents live in Pawhuska where her father continues his medical practice. Mount Olive Baptists Extend InvitationNew Mount Olive Baptist Church in Newkirk is sponsoring a Fellowship Service Sunday, January 3rd. Special guest speaker will be the Rev. Jimmie Jones of Pawhuska. The service begins at 11:30 a.m. Invitation is extended to everyone. SPORTSµ No Local Sports
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