CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

Stepping Out From Behind the Screen

I hope that celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ brought joy to you and your congregation! Now begins the season where we see the risen Christ at work, not just in the Bible, but also in our lives.

It is a joy to share that your Regional staff are fully vaccinated. This means that we are able to lift our travel guidelines a bit. Still cautious, and still practicing all the safety protocols, Michael, Pam, and Paxton Jones (Acting Regional Minister during May, June, & July) will begin traveling for congregational worship beginning April 11, 2021.

We will continue to join you in worship via Zoom or Facebook, but now we will be able to join you for special events such as installations or retirements or to fill the pulpit as needed. To be present with you in worship, we expect your congregation to also be practicing all the safety protocols recommended by the CDC, wearing masks, washing your hands, watching your distance.

April 11, 2021 – Michael preaching in person at Enid Central CC
April 18, 2021 – Pam preaching via Zoom at Tulsa Bethany CC
April 18, 2021 – Michael presiding at the retirement of Rev. Charles Ragland, Claremore FCC

Camp and Conference will be in-person this summer. And, beginning this fall, we will also be considering in-person meetings at the Disciples Center.

Over the next few months will be scheduling and attending many pastor installations, retirements and ordination services that have been postponed.

Looking forward to seeing the beauty of Spring!

Peace & God’s Grace,

Regional Minister Pamela Holt

CCOK3012021-04-06T09:19:16-05:00Apr 6, 2021|Regional News|Comments Off

Seminary Scholarships from Phillips Legacy Foundation

Phillips University Legacy Foundation is pleased to offer a merit-based Seminary scholarship program for full-time, first-year seminarians who are pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree, are committed to pastoral ministry, and will attend one of the following Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliated seminaries or foundation homes:

Brite Divinity School – Ft. Worth, TX

Christian Theological Seminary – Indianapolis, IN

Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt – Nashville, TN

Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago – Chicago, IL

Disciples Seminary Foundation:

Claremont School of Theology – Claremont, CA
ILIFF School of Theology – Denver, CO
Pacific School of Religion – Berkeley, CA
San Francisco Theological Seminary at University of Redlands –San Anselmo, CA

Lexington Theological Seminary – Lexington, KY

Phillips Theological Seminary – Tulsa, OK

The purpose of this program is to perpetuate the mission and the legacy of Phillips University by helping educate people who will be future ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

For more information about the Phillips University Legacy Foundation Seminary Scholarship Program, please contact Tamela Harsha, Scholarship Administrator, at (580) 237-4433 or email seminaryscholarships@pulf.org. Applications can be accessed online. The application deadline is Friday, May 14, 2021.

New Endowed Scholarship

Phillips University Legacy Foundation is pleased to announce a newly endowed scholarship fund. The Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. and Connie K. Gentle Scholarship was created by the Gentles’ three sons and their families to honor their parents. (Learn more)

The Jimmie L. and Connie K. Gentle Scholarship will be awarded to a Phillips University Legacy Scholar attending TCU.

Jimmie ’59 Gentle and Connie (Roberts) ’57 Gentle met at Phillips University. After graduation from Phillips University, Jimmie L. Gentle was an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and served congregations in Oklahoma and Arizona. He subsequently spent the majority of his career as the Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida. Connie K. Gentle had a long, successful career as an educator in the Orange County Public School System in Orlando, Florida.

When notified of the establishment of the scholarship, they commented. “Phillips University provided an environment for us to develop a cadre of life long friends. Phillips challenged us to think critically especially regarding the Bible, and led us into an expanding appreciation of the fine arts.”

“Our liberal arts studies helped us mold a global worldview, our lifestyle, and our professional career choices. Now in this conflicted era, more so than ever before, there is still a vital role for the liberal arts university. It should be championed and supported.”

Dr. Donald Gentle said, “Our parents have always believed in the value of higher education. Our family feels that this scholarship is a way to honor their lifelong commitment to education, while creating ongoing support for the education of future generations and continuing the mission of Phillips University.”

CCOK3012021-03-25T15:27:25-05:00Mar 25, 2021|Regional News|Comments Off

Hope Lives Here: An Immigration Story

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has a long history of answering the call of Christ to welcome the stranger and live out the numerous scriptures that tell us to love others. In Leviticus, and many other places we hear the word of God, “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

According to Disciples Home Mission’s website, “Since 1948, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has resettled more than 37,500 refugees and assisted countless people facing immigration problems.” We have several mission sites that are dedicated to assisting refugees and I have personally led several wonderful mission trips to Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Southwest Texas to stay and work at a refugee site.

Congo Family Seeks Sanctuary in Oklahoma

Last summer, Rev. Mary Heath, who chairs the Oklahoma Commission on Refugee and Immigration Ministries in Oklahoma, received a call from ministry partners in Texas about a family seeking sanctuary. This family is currently settling into a new life in Oklahoma. They escaped the Congo and it has been a tumultuous journey that has taken a few years from the time they left until their arrival in the United States.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been in a horrible civil war for years. It is a place where families fear the warlords will take their young sons to be raised to fight and they fear their daughters could face an even worse fate. The father of this family of 5 was a teacher and humanitarian worker whose life was threatened for helping people, serving the least. The family speaks 6 languages, and thanks to tutors are now learning English as their 7th language. They speak 3 African dialects, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. We are thankful for the work of OCRIM, the Spero Project, and Catholic Charities for the assistance this family is receiving in tutoring, mentoring, and so much more.

Laws Prohibiting Work

Did you know that when a family seeks asylum in the U.S. that a recent Federal law prohibits them from working anywhere from one and a half to three years of their residency in the United States? They can’t even apply for a work permit in the first 150 days, then must wait for one year after they formally apply for asylum, and then it can take 30 days once they get a hearing to approve the work permit. These rules have changed over and over again in the last several years making it almost impossible to know what to do and when.

The Challenge of Immigration Hearings

The problems are many. Oklahoma recently closed down the one and only immigration court forcing applicants to go out of state, and it can take months or years for them to even get a hearing in another state. In the meantime, if a family member works to try to provide for their family they are breaking the law and can face immediate deportation. Could you imagine the hardships that places on a family who has already left everything behind, carrying all they can in 3 backpacks? To compound things, the family just had a fourth child born in October.

Will You Help?

Western Oaks Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) supports the work of our Regional Church, and our Commission on Refugees and Immigration Ministries. As part of our support we are raising the money to pay at least one month’s rent of $654 for this family from the Congo. I am challenging you to help raise enough for one month’s rent and living expenses. Will you help us to be a beacon of hope to this family and others?

You can donate by sending your check or give online to the Regional Church through Givelify. Designate donations to Refugee Immigration Ministries (RIM). Or you may mail a check make payable to the Christian Church in Oklahoma, 301 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Please note RIM on the check.

You may find out more ways to help by calling Rev. Mary Heath at Edmond Trinity Christian Church. 405-348-8019. Also visit our RIM Resources page here.

Shalom,
Rev. Daniel U’Ren, Sr. Minister
Western Oaks Christian Church

CCOK3012021-03-08T16:06:00-06:00Mar 8, 2021|Mission|Comments Off

Refugee & Immigration Ministries Update

Nationwide: More and more immigrants and refugees are entering the U.S. Many being allowed to enter who were waiting on the Mexico side under the “Remain in Mexico” (MPP) mandate. In the last four weeks, border organizations have seen a large increase in family units crossing and being processed.

Reunification of families: is still under work, with slow results meeting frustrating previous practices.

Border organizations: are seeing greatly increased numbers of individuals released into the U.S. Most in Texas are trying to recover from the devastating cold and being without food, water, heat, and utilities. They are working non-stop to catch up from lack of needed electricity to operate much needed computers for processing, communicating, finding shelters and facilities, family and friends to receive immigrants and refugees.

Check out the administration’s ambitious bill: US Citizenship Act of 2021, introduced by Senator Bob Menendez and Rep. Linda Sanchez.

Our regional status: Our refugee family from the Congo was determined as ineligible for any state or federal benefits. Catholic Charities has dropped them from any programs available as of Jan. 1^st. The family has no food benefits or cash assistance benefits for items such as electricity, phone, and non-food items (toiletries, cleaners, household items, clothes, diapers, and infant formula.) Thankfully, several churches have given sponsorship of apartment rent and we are asking for more support in groceries and utilities.

In December two of our pastors Colton Lott, and Daniel U’Ren, in the midst of a snowstorm, helped a young couple with a newborn receive temporary housing and meals in OKC while having to appear at an ICE check-in. An amazing member of First Norman, Neil Johnson, agreed to drive during the snowstorm to pick up the young family in Ft. Worth- saving them from a long bus ride and a late night with an infant and agreeing to get them to their appointment! No one was informed the ICE office was closed due to Covid-19 and the couple had to reschedule. While in OKC, their sponsor in Louisville KY declined to receive them. They are temporarily residing in OKC and awaiting their next check-in.

There are many families awaiting sponsorship on the border to be released. If you believe your church family could receive one, please contact Rev. Mary Heath (revmaryheath@att.net) or visit our RIM Resources page here. It is a great responsibility and a great affirmation of the one family of God.

Thank you, my Disciple friends for your love and support.

Rev. Mary Heath, Chair
Commission on Refugee & Immigration Ministries

CCOK3012021-03-08T16:06:59-06:00Mar 8, 2021|Mission|Comments Off

The Toothbrush and the Electrician: Caminante Works

Before and After Moments

We all have had before and after moments, particularly after tragedies like the Oklahoma City bombing, church shootings or tragic accidents. And when we were close to people affected by these tragedies, nothing was the same in the “after”.

That’s how people who visited Caminante feel. You go to a homework room where 20 children, who have been denied education, are now being given a second chance. You sit beside little children and help them with their coloring. Afterwards, they give you a hug and say “Gracias amigos”. And later you realize, that a few of these children, without Caminante, would have fallen into sexual exploitation or sexual trafficking. Closeness changes you and changes how you see this mission.

Your group gave me a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste.

More importantly, hope for a better future.
Thank you Oklahoma!

The Toothbrush and The Electrician

In my 2019 visit to Caminante, a young man sat down beside me at dinner. He said through a translator, “You probably don’t recognize me. I was 10 years old when your group gave me a toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and more importantly hope for a better future. Because of Caminante, I completed my education. Now, eleven years later, I am an electrician at the large cement plant on this island.” (In the factory world, electricians are often the most skilled and highly paid workers and they have the utmost job security.) “I came here to shake your hand and say thank you Oklahoma. You gave me and my family a good future.” His story is why people, who saw how Caminante makes a difference, ask for your help.

Providing Education and More

COVID-19 continues to devastate jobs in the tourist business in the seaside town of Boca Chica where Caminante is located. In addition to education and social services, Caminante is now also providing food, medical and personal hygiene supplies to families they serve. COVID has made the work of Caminante more difficult, more expensive and more urgent.

We’ll Double Your Donation

People who have seen the before-and-after as a result of Caminante, have put up $5000 in matching money for contributions in 2021. As a result, the difference you make with your donation is doubled.

As an individual, will you donate to our ministry in Caminante?
Would your church like to donate to our ministry in Caminante?

Make your check payable to  Christian Church in Oklahoma – Caminante

Send it to:
Christian Church in Oklahoma
301 N.W. 36th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Would you like to learn more? We are pleased to speak about Caminante at your Sunday School, in worship or at a Fellowship dinner.

Thank you for your continued generosity. Your generosity changes lives.

Rev. Don Johnson
580-402-2612

CCOK3012021-03-04T15:26:30-06:00Mar 4, 2021|Mission|Comments Off

Rev. Bill Inglish Recipient of 2021 Marshall Award

Rev. Dr. William (Bill) Inglish was recognized for his years of ministerial excellence by the alumni of Phillips Theological Seminary with the Frank H. Marshall Award. The presentation took place during the annual “Remind & Renew” event at Phillips Theological Seminary on January 28, 2021.

Click here to watch the video presentation.

CCOK3012021-02-03T14:16:46-06:00Feb 3, 2021|Clergy News|Comments Off

FCC Hennessey Receives Faithful Partners Award

First Christian Church Hennessey, Oklahoma received the first “Faithful Partners Award” from Phillips Theological Seminary on January 28, 2021 during the seminary’s Remind & Renew event. It honors the 50+ years of service and giving to Phillips University and Phillips Theological Seminary.

Pictured above with the award are Dona Caulder, FCC ‘s Pastor Ish Engle and John Peach. Click here to watch the video presentation.

CCOK3012021-02-03T13:42:08-06:00Feb 3, 2021|Congregations|Comments Off

Webinars: Caring in Crisis Tuesday Briefs

Caring In Crisis: Tuesday Briefs Webinar Series

Registration is now open for the Winter 2021 free webinar series, “Caring in Crisis: Tuesday Briefs”. It is sponsored by Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma, Crisis Care Ministries, Oklahoma Conference of Churches, and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. The series of one hour webinars for leaders is scheduled for Tuesdays starting February 2, 2021, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Registration and details.

Faith and community leaders are facing historic challenges, testing the limits of our creativity, strength, and resilience. In this sequel to the very popular Fall 2020 “Caring for Your Congregation and Community During Crisis” webinar series, experienced specialists in disaster response, recovery, health, mental health, and congregational and family life offer their expertise to help leaders gain new skills and knowledge to face the difficult crises impacting our communities.

Webinar Titles

Shroud of Grief: The Cost of Cumulative Sorrow – 2/2/2021
The Early Days Following an Oklahoma Disaster – 2/9/2021
Long-Term Disaster Recovery in Oklahoma – 2/16/21
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: 10 Warning Signs – 2/23/21
Providing Support to Your Community After a Traumatic Loss – 3/2/21
Personal and Family Disaster Preparedness – 3/9/21
An Overview of Domestic Violence 3/23/21
What Emergency Managers Wish Faith Leaders Knew – 4/6/21
Increasing Your Racial Justice IQ – 4/13/21
The Housing and Employment Crisis – 4/20/21
Preventing Suicide in Faith Communities: A Conversation of Hope – 4/27/21
In Good Faith: Why Legal Services are Critical for Disaster Survivors – 5/4/21
What Faith and Community Leaders Need to Know about 211 – 5/11/21

Click here for presenter bios.

Free Webinar Series Presented By

Presenters Include Representatives From

211 of Eastern Oklahoma
American Red Cross
The Alzheimer’s Association
Catholic Charities (Archdiocese of Oklahoma City)
Crisis Care Ministries
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
Logan County Emergency Management
The National Suicide Prevention Resource Center
The Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
The Oklahoma District Attorneys Counil
Restore Hope Ministries
The Salvation Army

Need Continuing Education?

Attendance certificates (PDF format) are available for all courses. Check with your affiliating organization for applicability.

About Registration

Register for individual sessions. Registration closes 24 hours before the session.
100 spaces available for each session.

Click here to register.

CCOK3012021-02-04T11:32:07-06:00Jan 26, 2021|Clergy News|Comments Off

DCEF’s Rick Reisinger to Retire

On January 11, 2021, Rick Reisinger, President of Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF), shared his plans with the DCEF Board and staff to retire at year’s end – December 31.

Throughout his career, he has helped DCEF successfully navigate challenges, including high interest rates in the late 70s and early 80s; the Dotcom collapse of the late 90s; the 2007-08 recession; and, the current pandemic.

Through DCEF, Reisinger lives out his faith and love for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by finding innovative ways to meet the financial needs of new and existing congregations and other ministries so they may thrive. Under his leadership DCEF remains focused, not on the past, but on the future of its ministry partners.

CCOK3012021-01-25T15:55:52-06:00Jan 25, 2021|Regional News|Comments Off

Four Local DOC Churches Awarded Grants for Meals

Hope is More Than a Meal – Grants Provide Warm Meals for Local Homebound Elderly

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has awarded $3,200 to the following Disciples of Christ churches that provide home-delivered meals in central Oklahoma:

Crown Heights Christian Church
New Covenant Christian Church
Nicoma Park Christian Church
Western Oaks Christian Church

This winter, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is helping provide warm meals to homebound elderly citizens by awarding $51,600 in grants to 40 area churches and organizations that prepare and deliver mobile meals through Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City. In addition, the Foundation is awarding $5,000 each to Meals on Wheels of Norman and Edmond Mobile Meals to support seniors in their areas.

“This year has been challenging for most of us, but it has been particularly difficult for homebound seniors, who rely on services that provide access to health care, nutrition, recreation and interaction with others,” said Nancy B. Anthony, Oklahoma City Community Foundation president. “We are grateful for our donors, who give the resources to support essential care for the most vulnerable among us.”

Since 2008, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation has distributed more than $450,000 in support of mobile meals programs in central Oklahoma. According to Meals on Wheels of Oklahoma City, one in 12 senior citizens in Oklahoma County lives in poverty, and nearly 16,000 lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Through the mobile meals programs in Oklahoma City, Norman and Edmond, home-delivered meals are available to all seniors age 60 and older who are unable to leave their homes without assistance or prepare meals due to health limitations regardless of income.

In 2020, Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City volunteers provided nutritious meals, wellness checks and meaningful contact for nearly 1,400 homebound senior citizens living in central Oklahoma who are unable to prepare their own meals.

“Senior hunger has unfortunately been a major issue in Oklahoma County for years, and the coronavirus pandemic has made it even worse,” said Chris Lambert, director of Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City. “Since March, we’ve added nearly 700 seniors to Meals on Wheels, and our meal deliveries have doubled to more than 16,000 meals each month. The generosity shown by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and our community allows us to bring hope to so many who are isolated from their friends, family and neighbors, and lets them know someone cares. Hope is more than a meal.”

About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation

Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with donors to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. Learn more about the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

CCOK3012021-01-25T15:45:31-06:00Jan 25, 2021|Congregations|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

New Endowed Scholarship

Congo Family Seeks Sanctuary in Oklahoma

Laws Prohibiting Work

The Challenge of Immigration Hearings

Will You Help?

Before and After Moments

Your group gave me a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste.

More importantly, hope for a better future. Thank you Oklahoma!

The Toothbrush and The Electrician

Providing Education and More

We’ll Double Your Donation

Caring In Crisis: Tuesday Briefs Webinar Series

Webinar Titles

Free Webinar Series Presented By

Presenters Include Representatives From

Need Continuing Education?

About Registration

Hope is More Than a Meal – Grants Provide Warm Meals for Local Homebound Elderly

More importantly, hope for a better future.
Thank you Oklahoma!