OIMC CELEBRATES ANOTHER YEAR OF MINISTRY AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
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The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference celebrated the eight years of service of Bishop Bruce and Karen Blake during the 2004 Annual Conference session, held in Preston, Oklahoma, June 10-13. Bishop Blake will retire September 1, 2004.
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Local churches, groups and individuals presented various traditional Native American gifts to the Blakes in honor of their service and friendship, which included pendleton blankets, dance shawls, art, books and traditional tribal clothing of the Ponca Tribe, which was presented to Karen Blake for her support of her husband and OIMC.
The Conference passed a balanced budget of almost $1.5 million dollars, which reflected continued increases in health insurance. The annual conference was recognized by GCFA for paying 100 percent of general church apportionments for the sixth year in a row. -
The Conference expressed its’ appreciation to the General Conference for passing the World Service Fund Budget, which included $1.9 million dollars for OIMC salary and pension aid. -
Bishop Blake ordained the first Deacon in full connection in OIMC, Rev. Rick Gassaway, who works with the Volunteer and Community Services of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Rev. Jerry Baker retired after 20 years of service to OIMC. Six persons were introduced as candidates for ordained ministry and five were appointed as local pastors. -
The Conference raised $2,000 for the Central Conference Pension Initiative, including the Pension support given through Cokesbury proceeds each year to the conference.
The youth raised nearly $900.00 for Youth Service Fund through various means during the conference. They were recognized once again for being included in the top ten conferences in per-capita giving to YSF. -
Membership stands at 6,232, down 50 from the previous year. Worship attendance stands at 2266, down 68.