CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

Register Today for “Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate” Seminar with Dr. J. Clif Christopher

Oklahoma Disciples Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr. Clif Christopher, noted author, pastor and certified church growth consultant, will be the featured speaker at a Foundation-sponsored stewardship seminar at First Christian Church, Moore, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to hear Dr. Christopher share stories and insight about his experiences within the church relating to generosity and stewardship.

Dr. Clif Christopher

Mark your calendar now and plan to attend. Please register HERE by February 23, 2018.

Dr. Christopher founded the Horizons Stewardship Company in 1992 following a challenging career in pastoral ministry. He serves as the company’s CEO to this day. In his twenty years as a pastor, he led numerous major building and capital campaigns. Since founding Horizons, he and his strategists have led consultations in over 2,000 churches, conferences, synods and diocese in all phases of building, finance, and church growth raising billions of dollars for ministry.

Dr. Christopher is a certified church growth consultant and has earned the coveted title CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive). In 1995, he was given the National Circuit Rider Award by the United Methodist Church for outstanding leadership in developing vital congregations.

He has personally worked in over 42 states and is a frequent speaker at stewardship seminars around the country. He is the co-author of the book Holy Smoke, the author of Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate, Whose Offering Plate Is It?, Rich Church – Poor Church and The Church Money Manual.

Dr. Bill Easum, noted consultant and author, said, “No one knows more about local church stewardship than Clif Christopher.”

Mega church pastor, Adam Hamilton said, “When I have a stewardship question, I call Clif Christopher.”

Foundation director, David Atkins said, “Clif is one of the most effective communicators in the field of church fundraising today.”

Author and highly successful pastor, Mike Slaughter said, “Clif Christopher is one of the top authorities on church finance and stewardship in America.”

Abingdon Press has described him as “The leading voice of finance and stewardship in the Christian Church.”

Clif has been an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church since 1975, is a combat veteran of the Gulf War, and is married and living in Little Rock, Arkansas.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:41:43-05:00Jan 29, 2018|Regional News|Comments Off

Oklahoma Disciples Foundation Grant Applications Due Feb. 15th

In 2017, ODF implemented a grant-making process to provide funds for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma related programs, ministries and missions. Over the years, several permanent endowments have been established by donors or through closed church memorial funds with specific, varied purposes to provide ongoing funding to the Foundation’s grant program. The endowments support ministries and missions for children, youth and young adults as well as provide for the education of clergy, laity and congregations on the guidance and art of spiritual giving. Endowments also provide funding to benefit healthcare ministries for seniors, church innovation and ecumenical spiritual education for students. View the endowment summaries at the link above.

Please see the summary below of estimated grant funds available this year. The deadline for applications for 2018 Grant Funding is 5:00 p.m., February 15, 2018. Links to current Grant Guidelines, 2018 Grant Application and Grant Scoring are available HERE. The grant program awards funding based on events or programs with potential to make the greatest impact. A grant-making committee of current and former ODF board members reviews applications and makes recommendations to the ODF board of directors. Grant checks will be mailed by the end of March.

Email Julie Bowers at jabowers@okdfdn.org to be included on a list of interested parties for email updates. Or call 405.525.6530 for more information.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:41:48-05:00Jan 29, 2018|Regional News|Comments Off

General Conference of Disciples Men Annual Meeting

Mark your calendar and plan to join the General Conference of Disciples Men for their Annual Meeting. The men have a spring meeting every year. This year the men will meet at Camp Christian in Ohio (10335 Maple Dell Rd., Marysville, OH 43040) on March 2-4, 2018. The theme this year is “What’s in Your Toolbox”.

See the attached FLYER for more details and registration information.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:43:58-05:00Jan 25, 2018|Disciples Men|Comments Off

The Oklahoma Conference of Churches Announces the Retirement of The Rev. Dr. William Tabbernee

The Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, Dr. William Tabbernee has announced his retirement. Please read Dr. Tabbernee’s letter below.

“At a recent meeting of the OCC Board, I gave official notice that I will be resigning my position as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches on March 31, 2018.

Following a serious health scare in September, I decided that it is time to retire and, hopefully, enjoy a less busy life for another 10 or 15 good years. The decision to set my retirement date, however, was done with mixed emotions as I have loved and continue to love my ministry with OCC.

My decision to retire has been made easier by the fact that we have in place an outstanding staff in the Rev. Mary Hughes Gaudreau (Director of Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care), the Rev. Shannon Fleck (Director of Community Engagement), Ms. Courtland Powers (Director of Development and Finance), and Ms. Aly Shahan (part-time Administrative Assistant to the ESC Program). I look forward to the remaining months of my ministry with the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, and spending time with you all in the coming months.”

Warmest regards,

Join OCC in a Reception Honoring Dr. Tabbernee. A reception in Dr. Tabbernee’s honor will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 from 4:30-6pm at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City (1232 North Classen Blvd., OKC, OK 73106), with a brief program to take place at 5 p.m. All are invited to attend. RSVP to sfleck@okchurches.org

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:02-05:00Jan 16, 2018|Regional News|Comments Off

Journey to Lent Resources: 2 Free Webinars

Get help with Lent Worship Preparations. Gather your team and join worship consultant and professor, Dr. Marcia McFee, LIVE on January 10th and 17th for two special webinars that will teach you, inspire you, and guide you toward an amazing Lent series of sensory-rich worship experiences for your community.

Sign up HERE.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:07-05:00Jan 11, 2018|Clergy News|Comments Off

Ministry Training Program at Phillips Theological Seminary

Don’t miss these courses available at Phillips Theological Seminary beginning January 8, 2018.

The Ministry Training Program at Phillips will continue the work of training persons for local church ministry, providing continuing education, and making ministry training available to a broad audience, including laity.

The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program includes twenty-two online courses that are practical, hands-on learning experiences and encourage engagement with the local church.

This year is full of educational opportunities and we don’t want you to miss the first three courses. Who do you know that would be interested in learning techniques and tools for Evangelism, learning the how, why, and what of the Mission of the Church, or taking a closer look at the Bible?

Please contact Leslie at leslie.lesieur@ptstulsa.edu or 573-808-3579.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:12-05:00Jan 11, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

January Pastors Retreat: Transforming Leadership with Brian McLaren and Jacqui Lewis

SHORT NOTICE, but a wonderful opportunity for a Pastors Retreat in January. The name of the retreat is Transforming Leadership. It is four focused days with Brian McLaren & Jacqui Lewis.

DATE: January 22-26, 2018
WHERE: St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church New Orleans, LA

This retreat will combine fun and respite with study, worship, and conversation – all in the heart of the Crescent City. Each day, you will consider one or more From/To transformations in pastoral leadership, such as:

• From organized religion to organizing religion
• From pastor of the congregation to pastor from the congregation to the community
• From service provider to messenger/motivator/model
• From expectation meeter to expectation setter
• From money-avoider to money-addresser
• And more!

Several spots remain. Do not miss this amazing opportunity.

Additionally, the retreat occurs just prior to the beginning of Mardi Gras, therefore it is important that you book your accommodations as soon as possible. St Charles Ave. Baptist Church is located right on the St Charles Ave Streetcar line.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:18-05:00Jan 9, 2018|Clergy News|Comments Off

7 OKC DOC Churches Awarded Mobile Meals Grants

Oklahoma City Community Foundation Awards Grants to Seven Christian Churches

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation is providing warm meals to homebound elderly citizens this winter through $65,400 in grants to Mobile Meals programs, including seven Christian churches. Grants were awarded to Edmond Mobile Meals, Meals on Wheels of Norman, Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County and 54 churches that prepare and deliver meals.

Since 2008, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s support of Mobile Meals programs in central Oklahoma has grown, awarding nearly $325,000 in the past decade. As the aging population continues to grow, the need for elderly support from Mobile Meals programs also increases, making the nearly 60 percent in increased support from the Community Foundation this year all the more valuable.

“We have had a rough couple of years between the state budget crisis and churches closing, which has really limited our ability to serve this vulnerable population,” said Allen Johnson project director at Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County. “The grants from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation came through at the best possible time allowing the churches to expand their services so they can serve as many people as possible.”

By providing caring, personal contact and nourishing meals, hardworking volunteers at churches and other organizations help Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County serve more than 1,000 metropolitan area seniors age 60 and older who are unable to prepare their own food. Edmond Mobile Meals provides more than 1,000 meals per week and the Norman Meals on Wheels program serves more than 300 clients a day.

“Mobile Meals provides a lifeline to homebound elderly allowing them to remain independent and in their homes when options are limited,” said Nancy B. Anthony, Oklahoma City Community Foundation President. “This year, thanks to generous contributions from an anonymous donor, we were able to increase our support of this vital program.”

Grants were awarded to the following Christian churches that provide meals through Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County:

Crown Heights Christian Church
First Christian Church OKC
Hillcrest Christian Church
New Covenant Christian Church
Nicoma Park Christian Church
Putnam City Christian Church
Western Oaks Christian Church

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. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, visit www.occf.org.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:22-05:00Jan 9, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

A Christmas Letter From Regional Minister, Rev. Pam Holt

Merry Christmas!

Your Regional staff looks very nice all dressed up!

(L-R Assoc. Regional Min. Rev. Michael Davison, Regional Min. Rev. Pam Holt, Exec. Assistant Ellen Beer, Facility Manager Richard Keith, Admin. Assistant Jennifer Gallaway, Assoc. Regional Min. Rev. Leslie Dotson, Admin. Assistant Lori Richcreek-Heldmann)

On the first Wednesday of each month, the Regional staff gathers for a staff meeting at the Disciples Center to share, plan, and pray for the ministries in Oklahoma. On this particular day, we were headed out to the Vast restaurant on the 49th floor of the Devon Tower, 726.2 feet above downtown Oklahoma City! The view was spectacular, and we shared fellowship and delicious food for our Christmas celebration. Thank you, Regional Church!

We also thank you for your generous gifts that support the ministry of the Region which seeks to connect, empower, and equip Disciples of Christ to love and serve just like Jesus. Your gifts which support the Region come through your congregation’s budget, Disciples Mission Fund, and the generosity of Disciples in the pew through the Christmas Offering, and through generous individuals who give to the Region’s Annual Fund. We are very grateful for your giving, and more importantly, for the opportunity to serve the Region in ministry.

We hope each of you and all of you have a Merry Christmas with family and friends! As we once again hear the story of God breaking into our world and Jesus being born among us, may God’s blessing of hope and joy be upon us all! “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!”

Rev. Pam Holt

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:27-05:00Dec 14, 2017|Regional News|4 Comments

Need a Gift Idea? Give an Alternative Christmas Gift This Year!

We are honored to highlight the following ministries as we celebrate the Advent Season. If you choose to give an Alternative Gift this year, consider giving to one of these ministries for your loved one.

Caminante
Disciples4Water
Disciples Mission Fund
Leave No Child Behind
Reconciliation Fund (Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racism)
Regional Annual Fund
Week of Compassion
Youth Camp

Donations to any of these ministries may be given through the Regional Office’s website or by check. Be sure to note the ministry in the memo line on your check. Mail checks to:

Christian Church in Oklahoma
301 NW 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:32-05:00Dec 13, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off