Published: May 07, 2008 05:38 pm            

Pastor Jasper Ligon resigns New Bethel Church

In a surprise action, Jasper Ligon resigned as pastor of New Bethel Church last Sunday evening. Pointing to increased family responsibilities, he said, “I love all of you, and you’re a great church, but this has been a rough year for Holly and me. We’ve prayed about it, and God has indicated that family comes first, and we’re going to have to give up the pastorate.”

Ligon has been pastor of NBBC approximately a year, excluding a few months as interim pastor. He has had many “firsts.” He and Holly celebrated both their 30th birthdays and their 10th wedding anniversary. He performed his first wedding ceremony when Emily Woodward married J.B. Sharp.

Sadly, a few months later, he officiated at the funeral services for Emily’s parents, Rick and Sandy Woodward, who were killed in an auto crash as they were returning home from a bowling tournament in December.

Many summer plans were on the drawing board, but some at least will now be postponed as the church again searches for a pastor. Church members, though sorry to see the family depart, said they could understand how family illness could prevent the Ligons having time to devote to the pastorate. Holly’s family lives in far eastern Oklahoma near Fort Smith, and they have suffered several catastrophic illnesses.

During the past year, the church finally got moving on an addition which joined the Fellowship Hall to the Sanctuary. Part of the remodeling involved completing the basement, turning previously unused space into a Youth Center. Lane Self, who came on board as Youth Minister in February, celebrated the Youth Center being “almost completed” when he plus six other adults held a Lock-In on a recent Friday night for about 35 kids.

The Youth Center has been a magnet for many young people of the community. Furnished with donations of furniture and recreation equipment from Arnold and Nancy Allen and from several members, the Center provides a site for morning Bible studies and for Wednesday and Sunday classes and activities.

*********

Several residents of the Madill Home for Girls, along with some House Parents and staff members, were guests at New Bethel church Sunday, May 3. The group known as “Speechless” did interpretive sign language for several songs, and one of the girls gave her testimonial about her life before and after she came to the Baptist Home. “My family situation has been so unstable, I have no idea where I’d be today if I had not had the option of going to the Home.” A fellowship luncheon followed,

On Tuesday evening the church van and some members’ autos will travel to Moore to hear a concert presented jointly by the Singing Church Men, the Singing Church Women, and the Baptist Orchestra. New Bethel’s music director, Linda Cooper, is a member of Singing Church Women.

*************

Byng lost another member of the community with the death of my neighbor Bob Shelton last week. He had suffered from pancreatic cancer and was in a great deal of pain for the past several months. His funeral at Abundant Life Tabernacle was well attended, and his pastor, Mickey Keith, did a good job in leading the celebration of Bob’s life. I became acquainted with Bob and JoAnn Shelton several years ago when their son, Jeff, was killed in an auto accident. JoAnn worked as a volunteer with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

She spoke at many schools in the area encouraging high school students to refrain from drinking and driving.

********

Our condolences go to Trisha Harris and her family for the loss of her great nephew in an auto accident last week. Casey Hays was a high school senior at Kellyville but he was acquainted with many Byng youth, having accompanied them to Falls Creek Encampment in the past. He was the grandson of Trisha’s sister, Elaine Gray, Kellyville.

***********

Several Byng women are members of TOPS, Inc. 112 and meet every Tuesday at the Irving Center, 4th and Oak, to learn about Taking off Pounds Sensibly. It’s a rather low-key group that begins weighing in about 8:l5, followed by an educational program, and it’s over at 9:30. On occasion, we plan something special.

The group is now planning a Spring Brunch from 11-1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the First Lutheran Church which is located at 1319 East 18th Street in Ada. The public will be invited to sample sensible, nutritional, delicious recreations of culinary favorites. Recipes for each dish will be available. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased in advance from TOPS members or at the door on the morning of the event.

**********

Tammy Elder will be at the Ada Library next Saturday from 10:30-12:30 for a signing of her new book on “The Life and Works of Acee Blue Eagle.” I’ve already bought a copy of Tammy’s book and I certainly recommend it as a thoroughly readable yet scholarly book containing previously unpublished materials about one of America’s most famous Indian artists. Tammy is the daughter of Betty and Roger Burns, and she is one of my former speech and English students.

********

I was so pleased to read that Todd Crabtree has been chosen as the new superintendent of Byng School. I knew and appreciated Todd when he first came to teach at Byng. He was an excellent teacher who was well-liked and respected by the students. He also had a talent for getting along with teachers. He was the lone male who dropped in on the “Lunch Bunch” occasionally. We teased him and heckled him unmercifully, and we hosted a bridal shower for him when he announced that he was getting married. Doesn’t seem possible that he and the pretty girl he married eventually had two beautiful daughters who grew up to be brilliant students.

I know Todd shares our affection for Byng School and that he has plans to continue its high standards. He’ll do a great job. The school is fortunate to have him, and I congratulate him on gaining a position he deserves.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.