CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

Preparing for Ash Wednesday & Lent

Ash Wednesday is March 2, 2022, and this day marks the season of Lent, the forty-six days of preparation from Ash Wednesday to Easter. A very moving video created by Rev. Elizabeth Grasham (First Christian Church Nowata) is about preparing ashes to use on Ash Wednesday. We anticipate that Ash Wednesday services this year again will be a mix of hybrid, on-line, and in-person services. However your congregation celebrates this day, we hope you will take a moment to step into the season, to be reflective upon your own heart and mind, and to walk humbly and faithfully toward Jerusalem.

While there are many resources to accompany our journey toward Jerusalem, here are two to pick up and delve into:

Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, and Resurrection: Simple Ways to Create Meaning for the Season by Traci Smith was just published in January of 2022. She first recognizes that this season of Lent, Easter, and Resurrection involves matters of the “heart of Christian faith.” She also recognizes that this journey toward Jerusalem tends to be violent, but, she focuses on this season as one of mystery and wonder. Inside this book are real ideas for prayers, practices, and conversation starters to help guide those on the journey whether it be a family or a small group.

Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis was published in November of 2021. In the introduction, Jacqui writes, “. . . put simply, we are in a perilous time, and the answer to the question “Who are we to be?” will have implications for generations to come. We have a choice to make. We can answer this question with diminished imagination . . . or we can answer the question of who we are to be another way.” She calls for a “demanding, heart-transforming, fierce love.” This book would be a fascinating study for Lent.

These books are readily available in online bookstores.

CCOK3012022-02-07T15:48:17-06:00Feb 7, 2022|Congregations|Comments Off

2022 Oklahoma Regional Assembly Speakers Announced

The Oklahoma Region is proud to announce its speakers for the 2022 Regional Assembly: Rev. Rebecca Anderson and Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale. The event theme is “More than a Moment: Rejoicing in Our Story.” It will take place April 29-30, 2022 as a hybrid event at Harvard Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa.

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale

Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale is the founder and Senior Pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia. A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Dr. Hale received a Bachelor of Arts in music from Hollins University; a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. She holds five honorary Doctorates of Divinity and an honorary Doctor of Law degree.

As a woman of vision, Dr. Hale is revered worldwide for her leadership, integrity, and compassion. Her vision and leadership led her to establish two ministries; Elah Pastoral Ministries, Inc. and the Women in Ministry Conference, Inc. Elah is a mentoring program to assist in the spiritual and practical development of pastors and para-church leaders and the Women in Ministry Conference is a premiere national conference with a focused mission to develop, coach, and mentor Christian women in ministry for the 21st Century.

As a recipient of numerous honors and recognitions, Dr. Hale was inducted into the African American Biographies Hall of Fame, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College, and the Atlanta Business League Women’s Hall of Fame. She is a recipient of the National Urban League’s “Women of Power” award, the Preston Taylor Living Legacy Award, the Balm in Gilead Keeper of the Flame Award, and she was recognized on Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100” list as one of the nation’s most influential African American leaders. In 2009, Dr. Hale was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. She also served as a member of the 2016 Platform Committee for the Democratic National Convention and delivered the Invocation at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Dr. Hale is a contributing writer for many books and publications including, Power in the Pulpit II: How America’s Most Effective Black Preachers Prepare their Sermons and the preaching resource series, Feasting on the Gospels. In January 2010, she authored her first book entitled, I’m A Piece of Work: Sisters Shaped by God.

Dr. Hale presently serves as the Chairperson of the IC3 Conference Board, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Beulah Heights University, the Vice President for the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, a member of the Board of Visitors of the Divinity School at Duke University, a member of the Board of Trustees at Hollins University, a member of the UNCF NFI Advisory Council and a member of the Welcome.US Council.

Dr. Hale is an active Lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She currently serves as the Co-Chairperson of the International Spiritual Oversight Committee and Chairperson of the Membership Committee of her local chapter, Nu Lambda Omega Chapter.

During her 42 years of ministry, her ministerial gift has drawn thousands, young and old, to witness the anointing of a woman totally sold out for the Kingdom of God.

Rev. Rebecca Anderson

Rebecca is co-pastor of Gilead Church Chicago and is ordained in The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She has a Masters in Divinity from the University of Chicago and a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Playwrighting from Hampshire College (Amherst, MA).

Rebecca’s been on Snap Judgment (radio), and podcasts including The Broad Experience and Broccoli & Ice Cream. Active in the Chicago storytelling scene, she’s performed with events like RISK!, 2nd Story, The Moth, and This Much is True. As a comic (back in the day), she was featured in The Boston Globe and The Christian Century.

Rebecca has developed and teaches workshops designed to grow the practice of story-telling and foster interpersonal connection (more at EarshotStories.com). She also hosts potlucks, plants gardens, and knows the best places to pick juneberries.

CCOK3012022-02-02T15:23:40-06:00Feb 2, 2022|Regional News|Comments Off

Help! Our Church Insurance Premiums Are So High!

In December, the Regional Church was shocked when we received the 2022 Insurance Premiums. The premiums have increased a lot! Several congregational leaders have called us asking “why is our insurance so high?”

Timothy S. Harris, President and CEO of the Insurance Board published this article in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue of The Steward. Here is the explanation in part: (Read the full article here.)

I’ve received inquiries from customers and agents alike as to why insurance premiums have increased during the pandemic. After all, many churches have not been conducting in-person services which some have translated to suggest fewer and less costly claims. Unfortunately, while the incidence of certain types of claims has reduced during the pandemic, the notion that the cost of claims has subsided is far from accurate. Property claim costs in 2020 were up 31% over 2019, on top of a 14.5% increase the prior year. In fact, despite the pandemic, 2020 property claims were among the highest in the Insurance Board Program’s history. Property claims at the end of 2020 were more than double the claim costs in 2015 yet we have not doubled the premiums charged to policyholders.

Additionally, during the pandemic, supply costs and materials used to repair damaged churches have increased. All of these factors add to the costs of claims. Premium costs charged in the Insurance Board Program are a direct function of the claim costs paid. Churches are experiencing more frequent and more costly claims. Because Insurance Board only serves churches and their affiliated ministries, these costs are all attributable to church claims. For the 6 years ending 12/31/2020, the top IB church property claims were as follows:

As the chart illustrates, water damage claims (frozen pipes, appliance leaks, sprinkler leakage, water intrusion from weather, sump pump failures, etc.) accounted for nearly a third of all property claims and more than a quarter of all property claim dollars spent. Over a six-year span, water damage claims alone have added an average of more than $1,000 per church, per year, or nearly 10% to insurance premiums. Water damage claims are largely preventable and are often the result of deteriorating infrastructure and lack of adequate maintenance.

We’ve all heard the axiom, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when it comes to church insurance. Some effort and, yes, cost expended on the front-end addressing building issues (leaky roofs and pipes, improper drainage, caulking, broken or clogged gutters and downspouts, etc.) can have a material impact on not only improving church properties, but also in significantly reducing insurance premiums. While not all insurance claims are preventable (the very reason insurance exists), many are, and others can be mitigated. Somewhere along the way, however, building maintenance has become less of a priority. I’ve heard parishioners say, understandably, that they want their stewardship going to missions, i.e., sheltering the homeless, feeding the poor, caring for the elderly, etc., all while the roof leaks, the walls are stained from water intrusion, the gutters need repaired, pipes and appliances are dripping. Yet, the church is often mission headquarters and the gathering space for God’s work and people. The risk management techniques communities of churches employ within their ministries (including resources that can be utilized at no charge) can go a long way in reducing the premiums this same community pays for insurance. Please reach out to us or visit our website to learn how you can improve risk at your ministry.

CCOK3012022-01-10T11:23:51-06:00Jan 10, 2022|Congregations|Comments Off

Midwest Blvd. CC Leaves Beautiful Legacy

In 1954, Midwest Boulevard Christian Church in Midwest City came into being. Two and a half years ago the members begin the prayerful discernment process of closing their congregation. When COVID-19 hit in March of 2020, they determined that April of 2020 would end their time together as a worshiping community. In September of 2021, they sold their building to another congregation who was needing more space. We lament that a church with faithful, hard working Disciples has closed, and yet we celebrate that their ministries continue in a variety of ways.

Throughout this process, the remaining members have worked together to create a beautiful legacy story for Midwest Blvd. They followed the Christian Church Foundation‘s resource called “Sacred Story,” and they met regularly with Eric Gray from the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation and Pam Holt, the Regional Minister. They prayerfully and thoughtfully determined how to disperse their assets, both physical and financial, and they have been quite generous to the church in many ways and to the local charities they have supported for years. They gave 10% of the sale of the building to Disciples Mission Fund to close the covenant they have had for years with the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They gave a generous contribution to the Oklahoma Christian Church Commission who originally granted dollars to purchase the land for Midwest Blvd. to build their church upon. They gave a generous contribution to the Oklahoma Regional Church, some undesignated and some designated for youth ministries. They also will establish an endowment fund with Oklahoma Disciples Foundation to continue to support the Oklahoma church and its ministries.

We give thanks for their many years of making Disciples who were joyful witnesses of the Good News in Midwest City, the Region, the denomination, and the world. Thanks be to God!

Pictured left to right: Van Wylie from Midwest Blvd. CC presents checks to (l) Regional Minister Rev. Pamela Holt and (r) Regional Moderator Jacqueline Bass.

CCOK3012021-12-13T16:29:29-06:00Dec 13, 2021|Congregations|Comments Off

2021 Advent Devotionals

God of justice and peace,
from the heavens you rain down
mercy and kindness,
that all on earth may stand in
awe and wonder
before your marvelous deeds.

Advent Greetings!

Long before this season of Advent begins, youth from Oklahoma and Regional Ministers have pondered over the scriptures and began reflecting about what these upcoming Advent days hold. In this season of preparation for the birth of Jesus, we are presenting you with two resources to guide your journey down Advent Road. One resource has been created by the Oklahoma Regional Youth Council. A second resource has been created by Regional Ministers from our 31 regions and ethnic ministries.

We hope you enjoy these devotions. May something from them stir your heart into awe and wonder of God’s marvelous deeds.

Peace & God’s Grace,

Regional Minister Pamela Holt

2021 College of Regional Ministers Advent Devotional

ENGLISH VERSION
SPANISH VERSION

2021 Regional Youth Council Advent Devotional

CLICK HERE to visit our Dropbox and download the ebook in PDF format.

CCOK3012021-11-23T11:26:11-06:00Nov 23, 2021|Regional News|Comments Off

Pumpkin Patch Celebrates 25 Years of Outreach Ministry

Happy 25th Anniversary to the Pumpkin Patch at Southern Hills Christian Church, Edmond. The annual fundraising event draws families from across the city, some who’ve shopped for the perfect Halloween pumpkin for 15 years.

The church purchases the organically grown pumpkins from the Navajo Tribe in Farmington, New Mexico, who grow and sell to churches nationwide. Two separate shipments assure customers have high quality products. The congregation’s Disciples Men organizes and runs the stand along with a host of volunteer church members.

This year the profits were divided equally between the church’s Breakfast Ministry and Youth & Children’s Ministry, plus Central Christian Camp & Conference Center. The popular drive-up hot breakfast and sack lunch ministry feeds 50-60 people each Saturday and Sunday morning. In tandem with FCC Edmond’s weekday breakfast program, Edmond residents are assured a meal 7 days a week.

Congratulations Southern Hills CC on this fun outreach ministry!

CCOK3012021-11-08T10:13:52-06:00Nov 8, 2021|Congregations|Comments Off

2022 Ministerial Standing Form

The 2022 Ministerial Standing Application Form is now available for download. Full explanation of how to complete the form and requirements for standing may be found here.

Active Clergy

Download a Fillable PDF Form for Active Clergy

Download a Print Form for Active Clergy

Retired-Inactive Clergy

Download a Fillable PDF Form for Retired-Inactive Clergy

Download a Print Form for Retired-Inactive Clergy

CCOK3012021-11-02T10:33:36-05:00Oct 27, 2021|Clergy News|Comments Off

Disciples Supporting Afghan Families

Loving and Helping Our New Neighbors

Soon Afghan families will be our new neighbors as they move into the metropolitan areas of Oklahoma. Some of our Disciple congregations are already making preparations to help welcome them. As you might imagine, the needs to help one family relocate are tremendous, and there will be many families who need our help. If your congregation would like to join this ministry and work together, please contact Mary Heath, Chair of the Region’s Refugee & Immigration Commission or the Regional Office. Please note there are many resources to help understand the needs of our Afghan communities. The resources below are just a start!

Disciples Hospitality & Welcome

These links will take you to the most comprehensive resources to learn about Disciples hospitality and welcome of Afghanistan refugees into our midst. You are welcome to use any and/or all of these resources in your congregation.

Disciples Statements on Refugees and Immigration

Share this video from Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, and this video from Week of Compassion on Afghan Welcoming.

Disciples Refugees & Immigration Ministries (RIM)

These links will direct you to many resources for your congregation to learn more about the Afghan refugees.

Web Resources Facebook Resources

Week of Compassion

Refugees and Displaced People

Church World Service

Church World Service is an organization in the US serving the Afghan resettlement program. There are twenty-one CWS offices around the US. Just recently, CWS approved the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program to make it possible for CWS to provide resources to communities who want to partner with CWS who are further than 100 miles from a CSW office, places like Oklahoma and West Virginia.

Please follow the links below to help your congregation learn about the CWS Afghan Resettlement ministries and worship resources.

5 Ways You Can Help Welcome Afghans Video

Resources and Worship Guide for Reflecting and Praying for the Displaced

Oklahoma Congregations Already Preparing

The Region of Oklahoma has eight congregations already preparing to help in the resettlement of Afghan families.

Edmond Trinity
Norman FCC – working ecumenically in the Norman community
OKC Crown Heights
OKC Western Oaks
Ponca City FCC
Stillwater FCC – working ecumenically in the Stillwater community; OSU has contributed housing
Tulsa Harvard Avenue – working ecumenically in the Tulsa community
Weatherford Federated

How Your Congregation can Participate

The needs of resettlement are great. Here are some of the many ways your congregation can be a partner in this ministry.

1. Pray for these Afghans who have been displaced from their home and are seeking a new home — here.
2. Partner with a larger congregation who is already in motion.
3. Designate a point person in your congregation to contact one of the congregations noted above to see what the needs are and report back to your board to determine the best way for your congregation to partner. Some of the needs include:

financial support for rent, utilities, legal services
medical care
transportation
furniture and home goods
appropriate seasonal clothing for adults and children
language interpreters for Dari and Pashto
volunteers when the time comes

4. Make a financial contribution to the Region’s Restricted Fund: Refugee & Immigration Afghan Resettlement.

We cannot do this ministry by ourselves. We work best together. Let us welcome and love our new neighbors with joy and gratitude!

Peace & God’s Grace,
Rev. Pamela Holt

CCOK3012021-10-12T14:52:18-05:00Oct 12, 2021|Regional News|Comments Off

Regional Minister Travel Update

The Regional Executive Committee has taken into consideration the Regional Ministers’ Travel during this continued pandemic, and especially during the surge of the Delta Variant of COVID-19. The Executive Committee created the following protocols for our Regional Ministers who long to be with congregations, but who also recognize the risks as they move from congregation to congregation. This new protocol is designed to remain effective until further notice.

Regional Ministers Travel During a Pandemic
09.16.2021

The mission of the Regional Church is to connect, equip, and empower Disciples of Christ across the Region of Oklahoma. The attendance and participation of Regional staff at various services and events across the Region are vital to the continued ministry of the Regional Church. Yet in the midst of a global pandemic, Regional staff must take into careful consideration everyone they may come into contact with during their ministry, including a significant population that is unable to be vaccinated.

As such, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Regional Church (Disciples of Christ) of Oklahoma have instructed Regional staff that attendance and participation in such services and events will only be permitted so long as all participants at the service or event will be following CDC guidelines, including but not limited to wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing.

Should the Regional Ministers arrive and participants are not adhering to the expected CDC guidelines noted above, the Regional Ministers are instructed to leave the service or event immediately.

CCOK3012021-10-07T15:58:14-05:00Oct 7, 2021|Regional News|Comments Off

Diana Butler Bass Speaking at FCC Norman

The Oklahoma Region and First Christian Church Norman invite you to welcome Dr. Diana Butler Bass this fall. The award-winning author of 11 books, a popular speaker and inspiring preacher will share about how faith intersects with culture and politics.

Event Schedule

Please join us at FCC Norman, 220 S. Webster, Norman on the following dates.

No Registration Needed • Masks Required • Social Distancing Encouraged

Friday, November 5, 2021
7:00-8:30 pm Lecture: Jesus: The Same Yesterday, Today and Forever?

Saturday, November, 6, 2021
9:30-11:00 am Lecture: Jesus: The Story and Our Stories

Sunday, November 7, 2021
8:40 am worship – preaching, Q&A 9:30 am
10:45 am worship – preaching

About Dr. Bass

Diana Butler Bass (Ph.D., Duke) is one of America’s most trusted commentators on religion and contemporary spirituality. Her bylines include The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN.com, Atlantic.com, USA Today, Huffington Post, Christian Century, and Sojourners. She has commented in the media widely on CBS, CNN, PBS, NPR, CBC, FOX, Sirius XM, TIME, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Mother Jones and in multiple global news outlets.

You may follow her at dianabutlerbass.com or on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram. She writes a twice-weekly newsletter, The Cottage, which may be found on Substack.

For information or questions about the event call FCC Norman at 405-329-2192. Download the flyer.

Books Available for Purchase and Signing

CCOK3012021-10-13T14:37:11-05:00Oct 7, 2021|Congregations|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale

Rev. Rebecca Anderson

2021 College of Regional Ministers Advent Devotional

2021 Regional Youth Council Advent Devotional

Active Clergy

Retired-Inactive Clergy

Loving and Helping Our New Neighbors

Disciples Hospitality & Welcome

Disciples Refugees & Immigration Ministries (RIM)

Week of Compassion

Church World Service

Oklahoma Congregations Already Preparing

How Your Congregation can Participate

Event Schedule

About Dr. Bass