CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

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

MidAmerica Center for Ministry Update from Phillips Seminary

MidAmerica Center will have new life as of January 1, 2018, the ministry of the Center will be transferred to Phillips Theological Seminary. The boards of both the Center and the seminary agreed the seminary will be a good place for the next phase of the Center’s ministry. Under Phillips’ auspices, the seminary will continue the work of ministry training. In addition, the seminary will offer ministry training students some new resources, such as access to an extensive library and hospitable librarians, as well as a broader base of support for their education.

Courses will be offered through Phillips Seminary beginning in January. Registration is open on the seminary’s website at www.ptstulsa.edu/ministrytrainingprogram. The cost has been lowered per course cost, as was the case in the last few years of the Center’s life, the program remains completely online.

For more information please go to Phillips Seminary website.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:37-05:00Dec 13, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Midwest Blvd Christian Church Hosts Annual “Christmas for Others”

Midwest Blvd. Christian Church, an Oklahoma Disciples Foundation grant recipient, hosted its annual “Christmas for Others” ministry event on Saturday, December 9^th. Over 70 families received free groceries, Bibles, children’s Christmas gifts and pet food as well as an opportunity to take home donated used clothing and household items. The children in each family also received new shoes, socks and underwear.

On Monday, December 11^th until 3 p.m. and on Wednesday, December 13^th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Midwest Boulevard Christian Church is opening the doors of its Activities Center (the large building behind the church and next to the Food Pantry) to anyone wishing to take home items from the remaining donated clothing and household items.

All are welcome, no proof of income or identity is required. Stop by the Activities Center located behind the church at 320 N. Midwest Blvd in Midwest City, OK on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:42-05:00Dec 12, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

CANCELLED: Central Area Disciples Men Meeting Jan. 11th at 6:30pm

Due to Oklahoma’s famous unpredictable weather, the gathering this evening of the Central Area Disciples Men has been cancelled for everyone’s safety. Please share this announcement on your church’s FaceBook page or other social media. A new date will announced soon. Thanks!
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Rev. Keith SpauldingPlan to join the Central Area Disciples Men Meeting on January 11th at 6:30pm at FCC Shawnee located at 1625 N. Broadway, Shawnee, OK 74804.

RSVP to Rev. Keith Spaulding (405) 473-7441 or email: KLS1010@cox.net

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:48-05:00Dec 11, 2017|Disciples Men|Comments Off

Death of Former Regional Minister Rev. Eugene Frazier

Rev. Dr. Eugene “Gene” Frazier
October 24, 1928 – December 8, 2017

Eugene Norman (Gene) Frazier was born on October 24, 1928 in Ursa, Illinois, the son of J. Norman and Esther Frazier. He dedicated his life to ministry as a teenager and preached his first sermon at the age of seventeen. While attending college in Eureka, Illinois and Phillips University and Seminary in Enid, Oklahoma, he served student congregations in Reese, Kansas; Lorraine, Illinois; Taloga and Jet, Oklahoma. He held B.A., B.D., and D.D. Degrees; and was ordained Into Christian ministry in 1949. After seminary graduation, he served First Christian Church in Chillicothe, MO, followed by a staff position for the Christian Churches in Missouri. His ministries consisted of strong emphasis on evangelism, reconciliation and outreach. As a promoter of stewardship, he and Bonnie went far beyond tithing in their own giving.

In 1959, he became pastor of Park Place Christian Church, Hutchinson, Kansas. During his 7 ½ years there, the sanctuary and education expansion were built; the congregation doubled in membership; and outreach giving more than tripled. While in Hutchinson, he was awarded a trip to the Holy Land in recognition of his leadership in the church and community. He then served for 11 ½ years as senior minister at Countryside Christian Church, Mission, Kansas. Dr. Frazier gave strong leadership to lay leadership development and stewardship, while the church’s budget reached 49% to outreach and the building debt was retired. His record of service throughout his ministry is extensive in all manifestations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), including numerous offices, boards, committees and interdenominational bodies. In local pastorates he was additionally involved in Scouts, YMCA, mental health, hospitals and many areas of community service.

Dr. Frazier was installed as Executive Regional Minister for the 200 Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma in 1977, a distinguished position he held for sixteen years until his retirement to Foxwood Springs Living Center, Raymore, Missouri, where he served as chaplain from 1993 to 1998. He was an active member of Raymore Christian Church and the Foxwood Springs community, volunteering in many capacities.

He and his wife, Bonnie, were married for nearly 68 years (Dec. 26th, 1948). They served faithfully in ministry, traveled extensively, led groups, and witnessed the mission of the church throughout the world. Five surviving children blessed their marriage: Linda Sue, San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico; Cynthia Lou (Steve Summers), Springfield, Missouri; James Kevin (Judy Bryan), Overland Park, Kansas; Jeffrey Alan, Atlanta, Georgia; and Joy Lynn (Kelly Dwyer), Olathe, Kansas; 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and one on the way.

Preceding Eugene in death were his parents, a brother Richard Lee, and sisters, Ola Mae and Wanda June.

A service of memory and celebration will be held at Raymore Christian Church, 500 Peace Dr., Raymore, MO on December 27, 2017 at 10:30 AM.

Memorial gifts may be made to: Raymore Christian Church, PO Box 680, Raymore, MO 64083; Park Place Christian Church, 2600 N Adams St, Hutchinson, KS, 67502; or Countryside Christian Church, 6101 Nall Ave, Mission, KS 66202.

The body has been donated for medical research. The cremains will be laid to rest at a later time in New Providence Cemetery, Ursa, Illinois.

Cards of care and concern may be sent to Bonnie at her home.

Mrs. Bonnie Frazier
508 N. Long Blvd.
Raymore, MO 64083-9148

CCOK3012017-12-11T11:06:12-06:00Dec 11, 2017|Regional News|2 Comments

Two 2018 Caminante Mission Trips – Find Out How to Get Involved!

The Oklahoma Region is planning two mission trips to Caminante in the Dominican Republic in 2018. These mission trips not only change the lives of the participants but they also change the lives of the children we minister to in the Dominican Republic. These mission trips show the value of churches working together.

The first trip is scheduled for July 21-30, 2018. Those traveling will spend their time working with the Caminante staff as they minister to children in their summer community fairs. These fairs are similar to our Vacation Bible Schools. They will play games, make crafts, and help with lessons. They will serve snacks and lunch daily to around 300 children.

They will also take this fair to one or two villages where Haitian immigrants live and observe the different programs at the vocational school. The group will visit Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic and spend time with Sister Denisse and her staff.

The second mission trip will take place in April, after Easter and before the Regional Assembly. The exact dates have not been finalized. Those traveling will spend 7 or 8 days visiting the different ministries of Caminante.

This mission trip is more educational in nature. They will observe the different programs at the vocational school and visit Santo Domingo. They will also work with children in the homework rooms and make coconut jewelry with local teenagers as well as spend time with Sister Denisse and her staff.

Are you interested in participating in one of these mission trips? These trips are safe and secure, the lodging is in a nice, clean hotel, and there are age appropriate activities for recent high school graduates as well as older adults.

The trips cost between $1600 to $1800 per person. Participants can receive help raising money for trip expenses. Scholarships are available.

Call Don Johnson (580-402-2612) or Loma Sullivan (405 –206-7437) for more information.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:52-05:00Dec 5, 2017|Mission|Comments Off