CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

Thank You From the Commission on Refugees and Immigrant Ministries

Hello everyone –

I thank you so much for your caring hearts and support. The trip to the border and Southwest Good Samaritan was very valuable. It was a quick trip so we weren’t able to get in everything we wanted. There will indeed be another trip. If your churches have clothes or will continue to collect clothes, that will be appreciated and please let me know. I am very grateful for Joel Blomgren and Cecilia Tolley, (pictured loading the van) who made the long drive with the clothes. Yes, we could just ship clothing but that would defeat the purpose of actually being present and being the hands and feet of Christ in the world. We were able to give out some clothes personally to refugee children, but will have time to give out more on a longer trip.

I was fortunate enough to attend a prayer meeting on Friday night with Filiberto’s congregation and refugees he and Iglesia Ebenezer are helping. The stories the refugees/immigrants tell are absolutely heart-wrenching. They are unable to tell their stories without tears. The people I met are truly afraid of being returned to their country of origin. For them, it would mean certain death. Most of the refugees I met were single, young women with children. This is why there are no photos of the individuals or the children who received clothes. They simply cannot risk being found. A picture shared online, on Facebook, or any other media is something that could cost them their lives and the lives of their families.

So, as always, a mission trip is both wonderful and terrible. The work we do as followers of Jesus makes us feel great, and we know we are doing the ministry Jesus sets forward for us in the Gospels. But learning the truth with our own eyes, ears, and hearts is the terrible part. It is more than compassion we feel for our brothers and sisters in need- it is the simple knowledge that as all children of God, we are indeed family. And we suffer with our family as yet we hope for a better future and wish to work to make that future a reality. The idea of being family is vividly present in everything Filiberto and the refugees say. They have an attitude and understanding of family that is not made by blood, but love. Love for God, hence, love for one another. Many of our brothers and sisters have to leave their family of birth and homes forever. Filiberto consistently reminds us all that we are a part of One Body. It matters not where we are from, what color we are, or what our economic status is.

I will write more on my experiences soon. For now, I have a couple of ideas for further action on behalf of OCRIM. First, I am hoping some of us will meet with the office of ICE here in Oklahoma to establish a relationship and spirit of cooperation. Then, I would love for us to begin thinking about establishing a relocation center here in Oklahoma. That would be a big task, but it is needed. Then, I would like to work on our next trip to the border. It could be again to the Los Fresnos/Bay view area, and/or take a trip with Borderlinks in Arizona. You can find Borderlinks online if you would like more information. Please let me know if you are interested in finding a date to meet and begin on our next mission action!

Again, thank you so much for your generosity. It is greatly appreciated by Filiberto and everyone it benefits.

May God bless you, and give you the peace of Jesus Christ!

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

CCOK3012019-10-08T10:45:17-05:00Oct 7, 2019|Regional News|Comments Off

Thanksgiving Offering 2019

The Thanksgiving Offering benefits the Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement.

Watch a short video to get reacquainted with Disciples Higher Education! Click HERE

Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education. Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses.

The Colleges and Universities of the Christian Church provide quality education through classes offered by some of the nation’s top undergraduate and graduate faculty. Many of the campuses are comprised of state-of-the-art facilities, offer diverse degree programs, include dynamic student life activities, offer exciting athletics programs, and much more. The Thanksgiving offering supports everything from scholarships, to religious life offices, to faculty growth and development. By giving to the Thanksgiving Offering you are helping our institutions invest in students as they prepare themselves to become leaders.

The Thanksgiving Offering also provides scholarship and support for our theological education institutions. Each of our seminaries and divinity houses is committed to educating and forming Christian leaders for church and society. Generations of pastors, community leaders, and agents of social transformation have been educated at our theological institutions. They have flourished and made a difference in the world, thanks to gifts from Disciples congregations and individuals throughout the ages. These institutions continue to prepare leaders for the present age and the age to come.

Support for Disciples Mission Fund and gifts to the Thanksgiving Offering are a critical part of the ongoing collaborative work of church and higher education that is such a foundational part of the heritage of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Please give generously to this offering. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of our students and it makes a difference in the world.

The Thanksgiving Offering is received in many congregations on November 17 and 24, 2019.

You may read more about the Thanksgiving Special Offering HERE.

Donate HERE

CCOK3012019-10-10T13:08:23-05:00Oct 3, 2019|Congregations|Comments Off

Border-Wide Actions on the 25th Anniversary of Operation Gatekeeper, Beginning Oct. 1st Thru Oct.

Please see below information of actions all along the southern border, beginning October 1st and throughout the month. If you are able to participate as members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), please share your images and experiences with RIM at: [email protected], so we can celebrate your work!

Gatekeeper’s walls went up in San Diego in 1994 and spread across the southern border, leaving a trail of destruction while laying the foundation for the cruel and inhumane border policies of today.

The Southern Border Communities Coalition (SBCC) will mark the 25th anniversary of Operation Gatekeeper on October 1st with a series of border-wide actions from San Diego, Calif. to Brownsville, Texas.

Southern border communities are condemning the deadly 1994 federal policy, and are calling for policies that expand public safety, protect human rights, and welcome residents and newcomers.

While many of the worst border policies we see today gained notoriety under the current administration — walls, a huge expansion of agents, checkpoints, detention and family separation — all of them found their inspiration in Operation Gatekeeper.

EVENTS ON OCTOBER 1st
* San Diego, CA, at Chicano Park, in front of the Operation Gatekeeper mural, at 11 a.m.: San Diego Press Conference
* Douglas, AZ, at the corner of Pan American and 5th, starting at 5:15 pm: Conversation with Joe Nevins, author of Operation Gatekeeper and Beyond, and vigil
* Las Cruces, NM: Multimedia event featuring video testimony from those impacted by Gatekeeper
* San Juan, TX: Roundtable discussion with community members on impact of Gatekeeper

These coordinated events will also kick off a month of actions against harmful border policies. For a complete list of events in CA, AZ, NM, TX, and MX, please click here.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN BORDER COMMUNITIES COALITION
The Southern Border Communities Coalition (SBCC) brings together organizations from San Diego, California to Brownsville, Texas, to ensure that border enforcement policies and practices are accountable and fair, respect human dignity and human rights, and prevent the loss of life in the region.

Follow Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries on Twitter @StanleyRea, & on FB at: http://bit.ly/RIMFacebook, and call Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Director, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries, with any questions: 202-957-7826.

Check out the website

CCOK3012019-10-08T10:27:04-05:00Oct 1, 2019|Regional News|Comments Off

We LOVE Our Annual Fund Supporters!

Dear Regional Church Family,

We LOVE our Annual Fund donors! We also are grateful for our Annual Fund donors because your contributions richly support the ministries of the Regional Church! Your contributions allow us to continue to reach beyond our borders with mission trips, to enrich the minds and hearts of young people at camps and conferences, and to create new ministries such as the Refugees and Immigrant Ministries and the Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racism workshops.

Stories are powerful and so are pictures. We have created a snapshot of the variety of ministries around the Region for you to catch a glimpse of how your gifts are being used to connect, equip, and empower faithful Disciples across Oklahoma to love and serve like Jesus. It is an honor and a joy to make new Disciples who abide with Christ and are passionate about sharing the “good news” of Jesus Christ.

This work we are all engaged in is hard. Whether we are participating in deeply spiritual communities that are aging congregations, or are trying to grow something fruitful out of what feels like meager beginnings, or are in the streets of Oklahoma, both literally and figuratively, working on justice issues that seem too big for any one of us to make a difference, or are finding a new vision hard to imagine, following Jesus is hard. And yet, we all hold on to that one, miraculous thing that allows each of us and all of us to put our feet on the ground morning after morning – hope. The hope that things will improve, the hope that hearts will be changed, the hope that the love and spirit of God will move and breathe among the masses. It is our capacity for hope and your generous contributions to the Annual Fund that keep the Regional Church resourceful to our ministers, our congregations, and you.

Every dollar given is important. As we enter the final quarter of 2019, would you please consider making a gift to the Annual Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma? You may write a check and return it to Christian Church in Oklahoma (301 NW 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73118) or you may give electronically through “Givelify.” Our faith depends on God’s generosity, and we depend on your generosity to the Regional Church. Thank you!

Peace & God’s Grace,

Rev. Pamela G. Holt Regional Minister
P.S. To securely donate online visit https://okdisciples.org/donate-now/

Click HERE to download the Snapshot of Regional Ministries

CCOK3012019-10-08T12:55:21-05:00Oct 1, 2019|Regional News|Comments Off

October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. We thank each of our pastors and ministers for sharing their gifts, talents, energy, wisdom, kindness, and time to bless others. We appreciate all you do, every day for your local congregation and the Oklahoma Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Celebrate your pastor this month! Here are some ideas…..

1. Be Present in Worship: Join in worship with your Pastor and congregation.

2. Write a Letter: Take the time to write a personal note of encouragement and appreciation to your Pastor.

3. Provide Dinner: Pastors have to eat dinner too! How about a restaurant gift card or an invitation to your home for dinner one evening?

4. Supply Favorite Things: Think of a small treat your Pastor enjoys, such as M&Ms, fishing lures, coffee, etc. A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to cost much. The idea of knowing someone spent the time picking out one of your favorite things is a kind gesture.

CCOK3012019-10-01T10:38:34-05:00Oct 1, 2019|Clergy News|Comments Off

PTS Ministry Training 2019/2020 Course Offerings: Registration Deadline Sept. 30

Phillips Theological Seminary’s Ministry Training Program has room for you! Register today!

2019 Session 3 Course Offerings (Classes running from October 14 – December 8, 2019) Registration Deadline is Monday, September 30, 2019.
2020 Session 4 Course Offerings (Classes running from January 6 – March 1, 2020) Registration Deadline is December 20, 2019.

Click HERE to see a full list of the courses offered.

CCOK3012019-09-30T10:27:21-05:00Sep 30, 2019|Congregations|Comments Off

Nov. 8, 2019: Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center 2019 Annual Dinner

Please join Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center for their Annual Dinner and Awards Program on Friday, November 8, 2019 at 7pm at Harvard Avenue Christian Church (5502 South Harvard Avenue, Tulsa, OK). Keynote speaker, Rev. Sandhya Jha will speak about “Transforming Communities – Healing Neighborhoods”.

A workshop will be held at Harvard Avenue Christian Church on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 9am – 3pm.

Click here to download the flyer. Email https://www.ofec.co/ for more information.

CCOK3012019-09-30T10:03:26-05:00Sep 26, 2019|Congregations|Comments Off

Central Christian Church – Enid, Gives Away 925 Pairs of Shoes

Central Christian Church – Enid, partners with “Foster Feet“, which is a program that provides shoes to children in the community who need them. The original goal for the Foster Feet was to provide shoes to foster children who enter foster care with very little. The ministry has been expanded over the past couple of years to provide shoes to any child in need. Last year, the ministry provided shoes to over 700 children at the local schools and the church.

Enid Public Schools currently supports a student population of which almost 80% receive free or reduced prices lunches. To qualify for this, students and their family’s income must be less than 200% of the federal poverty level. The need was clear to Central Christian Church – Enid, and their ministry team.

On August 12th, they gave away 925 pairs of shoes to kids and families. Rev. Tom Stanley, (Senior Minister at Central Christian Church – Enid) says, “One of the most amazing things I have ever seen is the look of pure joy when a child receives a new pair of shoes.”

Thank you to Lauren Anderson who had the vision to create Foster Feet. Thank you to Central Christian Church – Enid, for partnering in this ministry and providing such an amazing outreach ministry to the Enid community.

CCOK3012020-02-04T11:23:09-06:00Sep 26, 2019|Congregations|Comments Off

UCC Annual Meeting Oct. 18 – 19, 2019: Kansas-Oklahoma Conference Welcomes the Rev. Diana Butler Bass

What’s Gratitude Got to Do With It?

Join the Kansas-Oklahoma UCC Annual Conference in welcoming the Rev. Diana Butler Bass! Rev. Butler Bass will use her latest book, Grateful, as the basis for her presentations, What’s Gratitude Got to Do With It: Embracing Thanks as a Path to the Future.

Saturday October 19, 8:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m., Doubletree Hotel, 616 West Seventh Street, Tulsa, OK

DIANA BUTLER BASS IS AN AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR, PREACHER, AND PUBLIC SPEAKER on issues of spirituality, religion, culture, and politics. She has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. She has been featured in Time, USA Today, and the Los Angeles Times, among other publications. From 1995 to 2000, she wrote a weekly column for the New York Times Syndicate. She was a founding blogger for both Beliefnet and Huffington Post religion. Her bylines include The Washington Post and Atlantic.com. She has preached and taught in hundreds of venues around the world.

SCHEDULE:

8:00 a.m. Breakfast sponsored by Phillips Theological Seminary
9:30 a.m. Gathering Words and Introductions
10:00 a.m. Presentation, Diana Butler Bass
11:15 a.m. Lunch and Book Signing; Visit Display Areas
1:30 p.m. Presentation, including questions, Diana Butler Bass
3:00 p.m. Sending forth

Download the flyer HERE

Register at https://tinyurl.com/KObutlerbass Select the “Saturday ONLY” option on the tickets page: tickets are $60 and include both presentations by Rev. Butler Bass, plus breakfast and lunch. Registration deadline: Oct. 11.

CCOK3012019-10-08T10:28:31-05:00Sep 19, 2019|Congregations|Comments Off

Sept. 24: Oklahoma Disciples Foundation Hosts “FAITH UNDER FIRE: Teaching & Preaching Generosity”

Oklahoma Disciples Foundation is pleased to offer a free seminar titled “FAITH UNDER FIRE: Teaching and Preaching Generosity”. Please plan to join this one day stewardship and generosity seminar featuring Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. Dale McConnell with Horizons Stewardship.

Click HERE to view the flyer

Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2019 • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Yale Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa
Cost: Free, plus complimentary lunch
Continuing Education: 4 contact hours
Register Online: HERE
Registration Deadline: 9/18/19
Questions: call Julie 405-525-6530 or [email protected]

Rev. Dr. McConnell will present these topics:

Worst Practices in Stewardship
Next Level Generosity
Effective Preaching for Inspiring Generosity

The Foundation holds many worthwhile endowments benefiting the church, the Region and its missions and ministries, including funds for grants. Click this link: “Together We Touch Lives” if you would like to make an honorary or memorial donation to one of these funds.