CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

July 10 – 12, 2020: Disciples Men Gathering at the TCU Campus

Every four years, the Disciples Men of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) gather to pray, teach, support, fellowship and care for one another so that they may return home impassioned and uplifted; moved by the Holy Sprit; ready to lift their churches and their ministries through the grace, power and wisdom of Jesus Christ.

Please plan to join the Disciples Men for the next event on July 10-12, 2020 on the TCU Campus in Ft Worth, Texas.

Schedule of Events

Friday, July 10:
2:00 – 6:00       Registration (TCU Campus Housing Office)
6:00 – 7:00       Dinner (Cafeteria)
7:30 – 9:00       Rally – Auditorium – Keynote – Rick Lowery / Music by Dan Phelps and John Malget

Saturday, July 11:
7:30 – 8:45 Breakfast
9:00 – 9:45 Bible Study – Warren Carter
10:00 – 10:45 Workshops

1) Wounded Warrior (to be assigned)
2) Week of Compassion (Caroline Hamilton-Arnold)
3) Male Spirituality – Paul Koch (Coke)

11:00 – 11:45 Workshops

1) Wounded Warrior (to be assigned)
2) Week of Compassion (Caroline Hamilton-Arnold)
3) Male Spirituality – Paul Koch (Coke)

12:00 – 1:30 Lunch
2:00 – 2:45 Santiago Pinon
3:00 – 4:30 Small Groups and Snacks
4:30 – 6:00 Reflection Time
6:00– 7:00 Dinner
7:15 – 8:30 Music – Business – Keynote – Rick Lowery

Sunday, July 12:
8:30 – 8:15 Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 Worship in the Chapel – Rick Lowery
Click HERE to read about the speakers and to register.

CCOK3012021-06-24T13:38:01-05:00Feb 18, 2020|Disciples Men|Comments Off

Anti-Racism and Healthy Boundaries Online Course

Cultivating Wellness: Anti-Racism and Healthy Boundaries for Clergy & Congregations

Online Two-Week Course from Lexington Theological Seminary

March 16-29, 2020

Work at your own pace in your home or office

Professors: Dr. Yvonne Martinez Thomas and Rev. April Johnson

Tuition: $60 (50% scholarship for LTS alumni)
Registration Fee: $65
Technology Support Fee: $30

Apply

Contact Admissions with Questions: Erin Cash (859) 280-1249

Course Description

This half-credit, two week online course will help to further equip clergy for pastoral leadership across ministry settings by addressing issues pertaining to boundaries and racism in the Church. The goal of the course is to facilitate authentic fellowship and communication with God’s people in congregational and denominational life. It is also intended to help students and clergy meet standing requirements regarding healthy boundaries and anti-racism.

The call to ordained ministry continues to be recognized by many persons to be a blessed and consecrated call. People of all ages, educational backgrounds, employment histories, and socio-cultural and linguistic backgrounds continue to hear and respond to the call to ordained ministry and to para-church and faith-based organizations, social /community agencies, heath care institutions, among others. Yet, many clergy feel unprepared for meeting the myriad of challenges they face as they lead congregations during times heightened by social, cultural, and religious change Therefore, the establishment and maintenance of healthy boundaries within diverse ministry contexts become an integral part of cultivating clergy wellness and congregational heath.

Moreover, racism, considered to be America’s original sin[1], has left an indelible mark on the soul of America, its people, and the Church. The importance of clergy, pastoral leadership, and congregations to grasp the gravity and severity of racism in one’s personal life, relationship with others, and with God is paramount to co-creatinghealthy anti-racist congregations that seek to heal the people of God and dismantle the racist structures that exist in society and in the Church.

[1] Jim Wallis, America’s Original Sin: Racism. White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America, (Michigan, Brazos Press, 2016), xix-xxv.

CCOK3012020-02-17T10:06:12-06:00Feb 17, 2020|Clergy News, PRAR|Comments Off

Disciples4Water Helping Solve the World Water Crisis

What is Disciples4Water?

Disciples4Water is a Christ-centered ministry that is committed to solving the water crisis, one water well at a time. Disciples4Water helps to create clean drinking water resources in remote locations in the Congo that are in critical need for clean water. First Christian Church Edmond saw a great need to help the Disciples of Christ members in the Congo develop a plan for clean drinking water, so Disciples4Water was created.

In a world where 780 million people lack access to clean drinking water, the creation of water well drilling teams consisting of local citizens brings hope, pride and a source of income to the community. By equipping these drill teams with the tools and skills they require to bring clean water to a population, Disciples4Water are doing more than just giving water to those in need.

By recognizing those education, healthcare and agriculture needs that are associated with a critical need for water, the mission teams can focus projects that solve more than just the singular water problem in an area.

Disciples4Water establishes, trains and supports local teams of water well drillers dedicated to providing clean water in the Democratic Republic of Congo. D4W also supports water-related healthcare, education and agriculture projects through direct funding and in-kind donations. Through the coordination of mission trips with church partners, D4W are able to show donors the impact of their dollars in the Congo.

If you feel led to participate or donate to this ministry, click HERE to read more.

CCOK3012020-02-13T13:40:02-06:00Feb 13, 2020|Congregations|Comments Off

We Love Our Donors!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The 2019 End of Year Giving Reports indicate you care about your Region!

At the end of 2018, you may remember that the Regional Board had to make some very difficult financial decisions which included a reduction in staff. These decisions were primarily due to the downward trend in congregational giving through Disciples Mission Fund. As we reported out about the drastic changes in the Region’s budget and made congregations and clergy aware of their giving patterns, you all responded.

The 2019 End of Year Giving Reports reveal congregational giving through Disciples Mission Fund exceeded the Region’s budgeted amount. Individual and congregational giving to the 2019 Annual Fund exceeded the Region’s budgeted amount. The 2019 Christmas Offering exceeded the budgeted amount. Wow!

With your excellent stewardship, the Regional Executive Committee is proposing to give 10% of this generosity to “missions of the Region” and to set up a reserve fund to do some creative ministries in the future and to help the Regional Office relocate in the next two years. For starters, the Region has invested in 2020 Stewardship materials and resources from the Center For Faith & Giving for every congregation in Oklahoma to have access.

Thank you for caring about the Region who cares about you and your mission and witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ in our Region and beyond!!

Peace & God’s Grace,

Rev. Pamela Holt, Regional Minister

CCOK3012020-02-11T09:55:08-06:00Feb 11, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

What Is Regional Assembly? Why Does It Matter To Me?

What Is Regional Assembly?

Regional Assembly is the event where congregations in the Oklahoma Region gather to take care of the business of the church as well as share together in community. It occurs once every two years as defined in the Region’s constitution. This year, Regional Assembly is in Enid and combines this important event with our annual Leadership Training School.

Why Does It Matter to Me?

Because each and every church in the Oklahoma Region and furthermore, each and every member of those churches are vital towards the part of the Body of Christ that we represent here in Oklahoma.

As we as Disciples strive towards the global unity that God is calling God’s church to have, we relish these opportunities to embody that unity in our smaller geographies. The work that each of our churches are doing to better their immediate surroundings, their towns and cities, this great state in which we live, our country, and even the world is worth celebrating and sharing with the other churches in the region.

Come and make sure your voice is heard and that we are lifting up the great work your church is doing along with all of the other Disciples institutions in the Oklahoma Region!

What’s the Best Part?

The best part about this year’s Regional Assembly is that it will be a place for our churches to learn about and perhaps take ideas from all the amazing workshops. Plus our keynote speaker will offer a spirit-filled message sure to inspire ministries in your congregation.

Click HERE to learn more about Disciples of Christ.

Regional Assembly + Leadership Training School will take place on April 24 – 25, 2020 at Central Christian Church – Enid. Click HERE to learn more and register.

CCOK3012020-02-10T13:52:07-06:00Feb 10, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

FCC Norman Hosts “Ventures 2020 Workshop Series”

First Christian Church Norman hosts an annual series of workshops featuring biblical, theological, ecclesial, personal growth, and social justice issues. The workshops this year are from 4-6 p.m., Sundays February 23, March 1, and March 8.

BIBLICAL STUDIES
February 23: Wives, Mothers, Martyrs, Warriors: Women in the Old Testament

March 1: Entertaining Possibilities: Scriptural History and Development

March 8: Living the Bible, Living With the Bible, Living Within the Bible: A Jewish Relationship With What IS Written and What IS NOT Written

CHURCH AND SOCIETY
February 23: Conversations on Privilege

March 1: Advocacy in the Midst of Polarization

March 8: Oklahoma’s Legislative and Policy Environment

FOR ALL THE SAINTS

February 23: Fr. Stan Rother: An Extraordinary Presence Among Us

March 1: And I Mean To Be One Too: Saints, Sanctification, and Holy Living in the Anglican Tradition

March 8: Holiness is Your Invitation, Signed By the Holy Ones

PLAYWRITING 101

February 23, March 1, 8

A time for gathering and refreshments begins at 3:30 p.m. Child-care is provided. For a full list of offerings, visit https://surveymonkey.com/r/Ventures2020. Please pre-register. We hope to see you there.

CCOK3012020-02-10T10:11:50-06:00Feb 10, 2020|Congregations|Comments Off

2020 Healthy Boundaries & PRAR Training Dates

Healthy Boundaries 201 Training

Registration is now open for Healthy Boundaries training workshops. You may review all the Healthy Boundaries training requirements, dates and registration information on our page for Clergy Standing Requirements. Click here. Tip: Your Healthy Boundaries 101 training date appears on your most recent standing form. Use this chart to determine when you need to complete the 201 workshop.

Date: March 12, 2020 – Thursday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Disciples Center, 301 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City
Cost: $70 + $3.10 processing fee (includes lunch & materials)
Continuing Education: 7 contact hours
Click to Register

Date: March 14, 2020 – Saturday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Disciples Center, 301 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City
Cost: $70 + $3.10 processing fee (includes lunch & materials)
Continuing Education: 7 contact hours
Click to Register

Fall Training dates will be announced in the future.

PRAR (Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism) Training

Registration is now open for the final offering of PRAR training. You may review all the training requirements, dates and registration information on our page for Clergy Standing Requirements. Click here.

NOTE: These are the ONLY times PRAR will be offered in 2020.

Date: March 18, 2020 – Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Disciples Center, 301 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City
Cost: $35 + $2.05 processing fee (includes lunch & materials)
Continuing Education: 7 contact hours
Click to Register

Date: March 21, 2020 – Saturday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Disciples Center, 301 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City
Cost: $35 + $2.05 processing fee (includes lunch & materials)
Continuing Education: 7 contact hours
Click to Register

CCOK3012020-02-06T12:13:36-06:00Feb 6, 2020|Clergy News|Comments Off

Foster Feet in Action: A Story of Church Community Outreach

Central Christian Church – Enid partners with Foster Feet to provide free shoes to children in need as a community outreach. The shoes are provided in the local schools and around the community as needed. Foster Feet was created by Lauren Anderson, who saw a need to help foster children who often need new shoes. Foster Feet collects and distributes new pairs of shoes to children in need across Garfield County.

This child showed up to school this week in the rain with his socks sticking out of the holes in his shoes.

His teacher contacted the school counselor. The counselor contacted Foster Feet. Kay Allison, with Foster Feet then went into action and delivered a new pair of shoes to the school.

By 2 p.m. this child was showing off his new shoes to his teacher. It doesn’t get any better than that! God is good. If you feel led to donate or volunteer with Foster Feet, click here to read more.

Or contact Central Christian Church Enid to learn more about this amazing ministry and get involved.

Central Christian Church
1111 W. Broadway Ave.
Enid, Oklahoma 73703-5841

Phone: 580-233-1214
FAX: 580-233-1228
Email: admin@centralenid.org

CCOK3012020-02-04T11:17:53-06:00Feb 4, 2020|Congregations|Comments Off

Faith In Action Commission 2020 Grant Applications

The Faith in Action Commission will begin accepting grant applications in January for Reconciliation Grants. Application forms are available HERE. The deadlines for applications is March 16, 2020.

Grant Application Window: January 15-March 16, 2020
Grant Decisions by April 1 with notifications by April 8
Disbursements of funds on May 1.
Complete end of project report by December 1.

Reconciliation Grants are a part of a larger project of addressing systemic racism and other forms of discrimination prevalent in our society. Reconciliation Grants this year are targeted at helping local congregations identify ways to address racism and other forms of discrimination at the local level. The Commission hopes

to identify models of reconciliation that can be sustained by local churches and other entities
that the knowledge gained from these projects can be transferred for use by other churches

Applicants are encouraged to work with other congregations or local entities to broaden the scope of the programs/projects that result. Each grant recipient is expected to submit a final report outlining the design of the project, what practical modifications were needed to make it work, the results of goals/objectives of the project, and the pros and cons of the project.

For more information, please contact Marilynn Knott, Chair of the Faith in action Commission at marilynnknott1@cox.net

CCOK3012020-02-06T15:41:42-06:00Feb 3, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

2020 Year Book Reports Due 3/15

NEW!

The Year Book office has a number of handy tools to help you complete and submit your congregation’s 2020 Year Book information to the General Board’s Year Book office in Indianapolis. You may find them all on the Year Book page, or see the list below.

Helpful how-to video now available. Click here to watch.
Plus find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the report. Click here for FAQs
Congregational Tool Kit – a handy overview of the process and deadlines. Click here for the Tool Kit.
What to Collect – a list of data needed for the form. Click here for the Info to Gather list.
Need a paper form to work from while you collect your info? Get a paper copy here.

Choose a Way to Submit

Online at https://disciples.org/yearbook/ then click on the link under Congregational Reporting for English, Spanish or Korean. To file online you will need your CHURCH PIN #. If you need help finding your PIN # you may search for it HERE using your congregation’s zip code or city/state.
Email a scanned copy to the Regional Office to be received by March 10th: office@okdisciples.org
Fax a copy to the Regional Office to be received by March 10th: 405-283-1668
Mail the form to the Regional Office to be received by March 10th. Address: Christian Church in Oklahoma, 301 NW 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73118-8661

Deadline to Submit the 2020 Year Book Form Is March 15, 2020

Please contact the Regional Office if you have any questions regarding your 2020 Year Book Form. 405-528-3577.

Year Book and Directory forms are important to maintaining your church’s 501(c)3 tax status with the IRS. The General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) votes and approves the list of member churches, church agencies and institutions published in the Year Book for submission to the IRS. This assures contributions to your congregation may be properly reported as tax exempt to the IRS.

CCOK3012020-01-27T15:58:03-06:00Jan 27, 2020|Congregations|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

Cultivating Wellness: Anti-Racism and Healthy Boundaries for Clergy & Congregations

Online Two-Week Course from Lexington Theological Seminary

March 16-29, 2020

Professors: Dr. Yvonne Martinez Thomas and Rev. April Johnson

Course Description

Healthy Boundaries 201 Training

PRAR (Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism) Training

NEW!

Choose a Way to Submit

Deadline to Submit the 2020 Year Book Form Is March 15, 2020