First Christian Church, Broken Arrow
Where’s Michael?
August
And, we’re off. On Monday, August 4th, I spent time with Randy Kuss (Interim Regional Minister for a bit longer) and began some training and onboarding. Yes, I’ve been around Regional ministry for 23 years (15 here in Oklahoma), but there is still a lot to learn as I begin as the Regional Minister. There is paperwork to complete during this two-week transition. There are processes to learn. Randy will coach me with the Executive Committee and prep for the Regional Board. With his help, our board leadership, and the help of our excellent support staff, I will have a good foundation for August 17th and beyond. Randy will be with the Region through the middle of this month, completing his service at the Regional Board meeting on August 16th. His experience and leadership with the Region provided steady, thoughtful guidance for the Region’s leadership. If you see Randy around the Region these next two weeks, please offer him a word of thanks and a prayer of blessing. We also give thanks for Deb Strock-Kuss, Randy’s partner in life and ministry. Deb moved here with Randy and has been part of our Regional life together. Randy is a personal friend, colleague, and mentor to me. For his time and Deb’s with Oklahoma Disciples, I am grateful.
I’ll use this blog to connect you to my travels around the Region and share stories about the relevant and vital ministry our congregations do in Oklahoma and beyond. I’ll connect you to my travels within the denomination as I gather with other Regional Ministers and meet General church staff along the way.
The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation rents the Region office space in Oklahoma City. Carrie works from one of those offices. My primary office remains at my home in Broken Arrow, but I’ll have a co-working space with an Associate there at the Region’s office space in the ODF building. That’s what the office looks like now. Yes, I’ll (we) will do some improvements. I’m getting a handle on my fall calendar, so I can’t say for certain which days I’ll be in the Oklahoma City outpost, but I’ll post that in this space, the Region’s Facebook page, and the Region’s Instagram account. Here is my August calendar as I know it today, August 6th. Connect with me through the usual channels: email, text, or phone. I appreciate your patience. Thank you for claiming the covenant: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma.
August
3: Preach @ FCC Broken Arrow
4: Michael @ OKC Office
6: Staff Mtg @ OKC Office
7: Exec Comm (Zoom)
11: Comm on Laity Mtg (Zoom)
2026 Budget Planning (Zoom)
12: NEA Council Mtg (Zoom)
Central Area Clergy @ Crown Heights CC, OKC
Afternoon: OKC Office
13: Regional Ministers Mtg (Zoom)
14: NWA Clergy Mtg (Enid)
16: Regional Board (Zoom)
17: Preach @ FCC Duncan
18: RA26 Planning Mtg (Zoom)
24: Ordination of Patrick McKenzie into Christian Ministry @ New Vessels CC OKC
25: SW Area Clergy Mtg (FCC Chickasha)
28: Christian Church Commission Mtg
31: Worship @ Wildewood CC OKC
Oklahoma Convocation Worship
Regional Staff Meet on Wednesday from 10-11:00 am.
Michael works Search and Call on Monday mornings.