Heart in Your Words

Do your words have heart? Do your words lift others up? Sometimes, even unintentionally, our words have the opposite effect. I ponder on the phrase “Sticks and stones can hurt my bones but words will never hurt me!” Words can hurt! This phrase must have been said to teach us to ignore hurtful words.

In the book of James the small tongue is referred to being like a rudder able to turn a ship. When I was young, after a fight between myself and a sibling, our mom would have us say nice words to each other. It wasn’t easy but these words worked and we were back to playing nicely together.

The power of our words are with us as adults. Pray for God to give you the words to say as you encounter people throughout the day. If you are home by yourself, reach out to others who may need to be lifted up. Lifting others up will inadvertently cause you to be lifted up also!

In this February month, fill yourself with scripture, devotion, singing, prayer, praise and worship. As you become spiritually filled, you will discover your words will have heart!

~Prayers and Blessings,

Marilyn

Romans 5:5 (CSV) …because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us

CCOK3012024-04-02T14:35:22-05:00Feb 13, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Rev. Randy Kuss Named Interim Regional Minister

February 5, 2024

The Executive Committee is pleased to announce the selection of Rev. Randy Kuss as the Interim Regional Minister. Randy will begin serving on February 15, 2024. He was chosen from a field of highly qualified candidates because of his administrative, programming, and pastoral gifts.

Clergy may reach out to welcome Randy via email starting on the 15th at rkuss@okdisciples.org.

We look forward to his leadership and participation in Regional activities!

Rev. Michael Oberlender, Regional Moderator

Rev. Randy Kuss

Listener • Storyteller • Song-leader • Photographer • Fisherman • Woodworker

Memphis native Rev. Randy Kuss is a 5th generation Disciple, whose grandfather and pastor was Rev. Dr. T. O. Slaughter. Randy is an ordained Disciples of Christ minister with 50 years of experience in congregational, regional, denominational, and ecumenical ministries including a special focus on Youth, Young Adult, and Outdoor Ministries. Those ministries included service with Oklahoma churches in El Reno, Yukon, Burlington, and Ponca City while pursuing degrees from Phillips University and Phillips Theological Seminary.

He retired in 2023 from service with Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis and with Disciples Home Missions. Randy looks forward to returning to Oklahoma to serve as Interim Regional Minister through this in-between time.

Randy most enjoys gathering folk together to hear what is going on in their ministries and helping them discover directions for their journey and resources in their midst to nurture them along the Way.

Randy is married to Rev. Deb Strock-Kuss, who also retired in 2023 from service as Associate Minister with Geist Christian Church, and they have two children. Randy and Deb will reside in Edmond.

FUN FACT: Randy once auctioned off his beard at a teen summer camp in Colorado, raising $1000 to support a camp for economically disadvantaged children.

CCOK3012024-02-05T12:09:42-06:00Feb 5, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off

Last Word from Regional Minister Holt

[Rev. Dr. Todd Adams, Pension Fund, presents the Retired Minister Pin to Regional Minister Pamela Holt accompanied by her husband Randy Holt.]

February 12, 2024

This article is to be the “last word” from me to you. My call to serve as your Regional Minister draws to a close on February 29th when I enter into the season of retirement. Since coming to the Region of Oklahoma in January of 2015, it has been a joy and a privilege to serve alongside all clergy in their respective ministry sites, all congregations, and the Boards I served on, as well as with the remarkable Regional staff. Together, we have accomplished a lot of ministry over these nine years, and I am taking many memories with me.

I am deeply grateful for all who contributed to the wonderful worship service on February 3rd celebrating my ministry. Thank you to First Christian Church, Norman, for hosting. Thank you to David Spain for sharing remarkable prophetic words, the Chancel Choir for singing, John Clinton who stepped in at the last minute to direct the choir, Jenifer Buyten who played the organ and piano, Jeff Champeau for technology, Dave Saunders, Alison Lawler, and Jim Gasaway who ushered. Thank you to Josh Bell, Terri Hord Owens, Todd Adams, and Nancy Pittman who said very kind words. Thank you to Terri Hord Owens, Michael Oberlender, and Milton Bowens for presiding at the communion table.

Thank you to Michael Oberlender and Stacy Minnick for the surprise oil painting. And thank you to Michael Oberlender, Stacy Minnick, Colton Lott, and Ellen Spleth for organizing the service. A huge thank you to Josh Bell and his team for the delicious barbecue meal provided by the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation, the slide show prepared by Ellen Spleth and Michael Davison, and to FCC Norman members Pam Spain, Jim Gasaway, and Donna Brown for cleaning up afterwards.

Thank you to all who attended for this celebration in person or online and for the cards of blessings. I am truly grateful and humbled.

Upon my departure, the Region is inviting congregations to consider a contribution in honor of my ministry. These funds will be divided into two ministries which are so important to my heart: Clergywomen and Children and/or Youth. I am a clergywoman, and I entered ministry through the camping ministry as an adult. I have always been troubled by the story from the Gospel of Matthew recounting the feeding of the crowd of five thousand, “not counting women and children.” I want women and children to count, and I want to honor their hearts, minds, and most importantly, their voices. Thus, a portion of these funds will be directed to the Rev. Pamela & Randy Holt Endowment Fund held by the Christian Church Foundation to support the camping ministry in Oklahoma and the Southwest Regions, and a portion of these funds will be directed to the Scott & Mona Baird Endowment Fund held by the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation to support clergywomen in Oklahoma. Thank you for sharing in this passion.

I am grateful that the Executive Committee called Rev. Randy Kuss to serve as the Interim Regional Minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma who begins on Thursday, February 15th. I am very excited about this call and for you to meet him and welcome him into this vibrant Region. I will encourage him to learn all the words to “Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain . . .”!

May God’s blessing of love and grace continue to be upon you all. And may you continue to strive for loving and serving your neighbors, all your neighbors, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Always praying for peace and God’s Grace,
Pamela Holt

CCOK3012024-02-12T14:24:47-06:00Feb 5, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off

Immigrants: Helping the Least of These

Rev. Mary Heath
Chair, Refugee & Immigrant Ministries
Oklahoma Region

It was 32 degrees, and the wind was blowing when we arrived in Del Rio, Texas, at 7:30 am. It is late December 2023 at Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition. Del Rio is a busy border town halfway between Brownsville and El Paso, Texas, and the bus was full of families released from detention. Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition had 1,172 assists during the three days another volunteer and I worked with them. We are helping as representatives of the Oklahoma Region’s Refugee and Immigrant Ministries Commission.

The sun was barely up and the first bus of the day was already in the parking lot. I wondered how early and dark and cold it was when the occupants had to get out into the cold weather to board. I had wool socks and sneakers yet I could not feel my toes for most of the day each of the three days. I had three layers and a thick scarf. I started out freezing but after greeting the first bus of families each day, I forgot about myself.

We decided to allow the newly paroled men, women, and children to wait inside the bus while we worked to get everything set up rather than have them stand in the cold. We put out the industrial-sized outlets used for phone charging, pulled out the trash cans, opened the bus ticket room, and bring out boxes of snacks for breakfast. After exiting the bus, everyone gets in line to have their wrist bracelets cut off, the tags on bags removed and receive a snack. We will soon have orientation.

Destination Unknown

Many people arrive and have no idea where they are. When we tell them they’ve arrived in Del Rio, Texas, they still have no idea where this is. It is difficult to make travel arrangements when you do not know where the detention bus has brought you. We show them a map of the U.S. and point out Del Rio.

Orientation consists of telling the families their options: get a Greyhound bus to their destination, get a ticket on the charter bus to San Antonio to an overnight shelter, or take the state-run bus to a destination city.

Feeding & Clothing Those in Need

As families try to eat and make travel arrangements volunteers pass out the winter items and toiletries. Many people show up in this very cold weather without coats, hats, gloves, and shoes. We distribute every single winter item collected by Oklahoma Disciples from my fully stuffed mid-sized SUV.

We place mismatched toddler socks on the hands and feet of infants and toddlers whose parents held them out to us. We give out socks to men, women, and children who were wearing only flip flops on their feet. We offer shoestrings to those who had shoes but had the shoestrings taken during detention.

Volunteers try to notice specific needs; while doing this one grandmother has arrived in a sleeveless blouse and capri pants. A father with an infant and a three-year-old is wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He has a mylar blanket around him, but it is hard to hold it around himself and his baby at the same time. It is even more difficult when he is shivering. And on this day, for some reason, several middle-age to senior-age women have ankle monitors.

Mothers and fathers are given diapers and wipes, and they are shown the changing tables. Coats, hoodies, blankets, backpacks, socks and shoes are distributed in between bus arrivals.

An Unclear Future

Some days three or four buses arrive here, some days more. Because there is no overnight shelter in Del Rio, everyone needs to get somewhere else, but several cannot. They either do not have the money, or a contact that can help. Some are waiting for another family member to arrive who was separated during either the trip across or in detention. It is difficult to explain to a family they must move on without their loved one and try to meet elsewhere. There is no way of knowing when their loved one will be released or where they will even be taken. Several families stay overnight out in the cold. They use boxes from the trash and the playground climbers as protection from the cold. We hand out Cup-O-Noodles to those who spent last night outside.

After the last bus for the day has arrived, and everyone has been handed the lunch snack, the operation shuts down. The women selling tickets for the charter buses for San Antonio lock up and leave. Several people have not had the opportunity to make travel arrangements but the organization must lock up and leave even though people are still there in the open-air park pavilion. Unless other individuals or churches bring food, there is no dinner. Porta-potties are available, but there is no running water. There are no beds. There is no clean water to mix for baby formula or to drink. Unless it is Sunday, the day starts all over the next morning.

How Might YOU Help?

We left each afternoon knowing we did all we could but feeling as though we have not done enough. Every day there and every day since the Gospel keeps running through my mind: when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, and welcome the stranger, we have done the same for Jesus.

Another drive to Del Rio is scheduled for mid-February 2024, and we could use your help. You may still donate items needed: coats and jackets in all sizes for men and women, socks and mittens for infants and toddlers, shoelaces in red, black, gray, and white.

Monetary donations for the trip are also very appreciated. You may make donations to Disciples Christian Church by mail (1400 NW 178th St., Edmond, OK 73012) or online through Givelify, please specify it is for Refugee and Immigrant Ministries.

AND pray. Pray for better systems of immigration, humanitarian efforts, and all the tragic causes of immigration and asylum seekers.

Please do not believe everything you hear in the news. If you would like to know more about the issues and conditions on the U.S./Mexico border, you may contact Rev. Mary Heath at revmaryheath@att.net.

CCOK3012024-12-05T14:07:58-06:00Feb 5, 2024|Mission|Comments Off

Legacy Gifts to Honor Rev. Pamela G. & Randy Holt

Siblings in Faith,

Pam and Randy Holt have made a lasting impact for the church, especially in Pam’s almost-decade tenure as the Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma. It is proper for us to honor their legacy by raising funds to extend their ministry into the far future.

To that end, we are asking congregations and other dedicated Disciples to consider making gifts as they are able in celebration of Pam’s retirement and in honor of her ministry.

With your generosity, the Christian Church in Oklahoma will make two important (and lasting) gifts.

The first is to establish the Rev. Pamela G. and Randy Holt Endowment Fund with the Christian Church Foundation, which will support camp and conference programming in the Oklahoma and Southwest Regions.

The second is to add to the Scott & Mona Baird Endowment held by the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation, which benefits ordained Oklahoma Disciples clergy women.

Included in this letter are suggested tiers of giving. We invite you to use these as they are useful for you or your context. Above all, we want to emphasize that no gift is too small and every intention is to extend Pam and Randy’s legacy and make more ministry for the Gospel of Jesus Christ happen as we celebrate a “job well done!”

We thank you for your consideration of generosity.

With deepest gratitude,

Rev. Michael Oberlender, Regional Moderator
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma

Please consider making a gift  to celebrate and honor the ministry of
The Rev. Pamela G. Holt
Regional Minister & President
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma

Gifts will –

Establish the Rev. Pamela G. and Randy Holt Endowment Fund with the
Christian Church Foundation to support and camp and conference programming
in the Oklahoma and Southwest Regions.
Contribute to the Scott & Mona Baird Endowment held by the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation which benefits ordained Oklahoma Disciples clergy women.

To help guide your giving, the Retirement Celebration Committee recommends for your consideration the following:

For Congregations (on a sliding scale):

Bronze Level 5 times 2023 Average Worship Attendance (i.e., $250 with 50)
Silver Level 10 times 2023 Average Worship Attendance (i.e., $1000 with 100)
Gold Level 15 times 2023 Average Worship Attendance (i.e., $1500 with 100)
Chalice Level 20 times 2023 Average Worship Attendance (i.e., $2000 with 100)

For Organizations, Areas, and Individuals:

Bronze Level $100 • Silver Level $250 • Gold Level $500 • Chalice Level $1,000

Your intention to give should be made known in writing to the Retirement Celebration Committee and sent to the Christian Church in Oklahoma by April 15, 2024, with the gift to be received in full no later than July 1, 2024.

We know Pam’s legacy is broad in the life of Oklahoma Disciples congregations and pastors – it is our hope that we can extend it even further in perpetuity to assist in funding the mission and ministry to which she has devoted her career.

With Christ’s love,

The Retirement Celebration Committee

Rev. Michael Oberlender, Regional Moderator / Retirement Celebration Committee Chair
Ms. Stacey Minnick, Regional Moderator-elect
Rev. Colton Lott, Moderator, Commission on Laity

Christian Church in Oklahoma
PO Box 891140 • Oklahoma City, OK 73189-1140

office@okdisciples.org • Online Giving

Questions may be directed to Rev. Michael Oberlender at revoberlender@yahoo.com

Download Gift Level Document

CCOK3012024-01-30T11:49:10-06:00Jan 30, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off

Be Still and Listen

If there was any time of the year when I wanted to grab a blanket and wrap up in it, this would be it. My energy was spent with holiday activities and now winter weather is increasing. As I look outside at my dry brown yard, I have to remind myself that our Holy Father is still here. He must have included in His plan this unusual season that is in a dormant stage.

Where do I fit into this and the words “Be Still and Listen” keep appearing in my thoughts. I close my eyes, pray and empty my head of any problems and daily issues. A ray of sunshine peeks through the room as I just sit and listen enjoy being wrapped in the blanket and my Lord’s sweet spirit.

Eventually, I open my eyes and see my calendar across the room. There are exciting events on those pages. The colorful pictures on the future months show God’s plan for growth. The events coming up will also be a time of growth and fellowship. Mark your calendar for 2024:

CADW January 23, FCC Moore, OK RSVP 405-794-6166 by previous Tues.
CADW April 23, Southern Hills CC, Edmond, OK
ROSES June 28-30, McKinney, TX

This is just the beginning of a Great 2024!

~Prayers and Blessings

Marilyn

Psalm 46:10 (KIV) Be still, and know that I am God…

CCOK3012024-04-02T14:29:00-05:00Jan 9, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Pamela Holt Retirement Celebration

You’re Invited!

Regional Minister Rev. Pamela Holt has prayerfully decided to close a chapter in her 37 years of ministry. In the nine years of Oklahoma regional ministry, Rev. Holt has aided this region to build strong communities of faith as we work hard to fulfill the ministry God has called us to do.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate her retirement and bid farewell to Pam, her husband Randy and her family. On February 3, 2024 at 10:30 we will worship and recognize Pam then join together for lunch and fellowship. First Christian Church Norman is graciously hosting our celebration.

Lunch Reservations

The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation is sponsoring our meal in partnership with Brother Bell’s BBQ prepared by Chef Rev. Joshua Bell. Kindly RSVP your attendance using the form provided so we may prepare accordingly.

Unable to Attend?

View Live Stream

Send a Message

Please feel free to send a congratulatory message and we will share with Pam.

Email: office@okdisciples.org
Mail: Christian Church in Oklahoma, PO Box 891140, Oklahoma City, OK 73189-1140

Please RSVP Your Lunch Reservation

Recognize Rev. Holt with a Gift in Her Honor

To recognize Pam’s 37 years of ministry, the Region is encouraging donations in her honor.

At her request gifts will benefit youth ministry in Oklahoma and the Southwest Regions through the Christian Church Foundation and further the Scott & Mona Baird endowment to benefit ordained Oklahoma clergy women through the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation.

Mail Gifts
Payable to Christian Church in Oklahoma
Christian Church in Oklahoma
PO Box 891140
Oklahoma City, OK 73189-1140
Note: Holt Retirement Gift

Donate Online Through Givelify
Designate Holt Retirement Gift

CCOK3012024-01-31T09:58:34-06:00Jan 4, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off

Disciples Center Deconsecration Service

November 4, 2023

Sixty five years ago, the Association of Christian Churches began construction on a building which would later be called the Disciples Center. In January of 1964 they had a goal to complete it in late spring or early summer of 1964.

Monday, June 22, 1964, there was a celebration for the Cornerstone Laying at the new State Office building of the Oklahoma Association for Christian Churches.

Then Friday morning, January 22, 1965, the new State Office Building of the Oklahoma Association of Christian Churches was dedicated with a full service and an abundance of joy. There were words from scripture. Words of dedication. Presentation of the building. A Dedication. A prayer, a Doxology, and a Benediction.

On November 4, 2023, the Oklahoma Region held a service of deconsecration for the Disciples Center. Regional Minister Rev. Pamela Holt presided and opened the time capsule sealed on June 22, 1964.

We hope you’ll enjoy the photos of the event and read the history of this building told during the deconsecration service.

11-01-2023 Daily Oklahoman article about the history of the building and its closing. PDF version

CCOK3012023-11-13T10:57:30-06:00Nov 9, 2023|Regional News|Comments Off

New Website Collects Oklahoma Worship Content

Resources Offered to Oklahoma Congregations

Seeking Elder & Clergy Submissions

Rev. Joshua Bell has developed a new website, chaliceresources.com, a collection site to receive worship resources from elders and clergy in Oklahoma. In full partnership with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma, the research project is a part of Rev. Bell’s doctor of ministry program at Phillips Theological Seminary. He serves as the minister at Perry FCC.

Josh is requesting submissions from Oklahoma clergy and elders including elder prayers, communion prayers and meditations, and worship service materials. These resources will then be offered to Oklahoma congregations through the Oklahoma Chalice Publishing LLC, a non-profit subsidiary of the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation. Ultimately, the content will be used to create a new Chalice Worship and Chalice Hymnal. All are welcome to submit resources by uploading materials to chaliceresources.com.

Over the summer Josh will be visiting each area in the Oklahoma Region to share about this exciting new resource and will be cooking his famous barbecue. He is encouraging Oklahoma elders and clergy to attend these upcoming gatherings to learn about the value of sharing local resources.

“It is my passion and dream to help congregations of every size and location to have tools to use in worship,” Josh remarked.

Southeast Area – Saturday, July 15th, 5:00 pm, Sulphur FCC, 403 W. Muskogee Ave.
Southwest Area – Saturday, August 19th, 5:00 pm, Duncan FCC, 912 W. Walnut Ave.
Central Area – Saturday, August 12th, 5:00 pm, Western Oaks CC, 8100 NW 23rd St., OKC
Northeast Area – TBD
Northwest Area – TBD

To learn more, contact him at joshbell373@gmail.com or 580-336-4576. Download a brochure.

CCOK3012024-04-02T15:01:02-05:00Oct 13, 2023|Clergy News|Comments Off

Regional Minister Pamela Holt Announces Retirement

Rev. Michael Oberlender
Regional Moderator

As your moderator, I have the sad and yet celebratory duty to share with you that our Regional Minister, Rev. Pamela Holt, has prayerfully decided to close a chapter in her ministry as she has delivered to me her Letter of Retirement.

The Regional Board met by Zoom on October 3rd to receive Rev. Holt’s intent to retire on March 1, 2024. This letter is shared below. Many shared their excitement for Pam and sadness for us, which some of you may share in similar feelings as you read this article. In the nine years of her ministry, Rev. Holt has aided this region to build strong communities of faith as we work hard to fulfill the ministry God has called us to do.

And now, what will the next few days and months look like for the Region:

I am going to be working with the Executive Committee to begin the process of calling an interim regional minister.
Your Vice Moderator, Stacy Minnick, will be working diligently to form a search committee to begin the process, with God’s guidance, of looking for our next Regional Minister.
And the final step in these early stages is your prayers. The process for searching is not a quick one, but a time of discernment, centering, and preparing for our next chapter. This is an opportunity for our Region to take a breath and look at who God is calling us to be. Prayers for the Regional Board and most assuredly the Search Committee are very much welcomed.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me. My cell phone number is 405-519-6542 and email is revoberlender@yahoo.com.

Thank you and God bless,

2 Timothy 4:6-8

⁶As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Rev. Pamela G. Holt
Regional Minister

Sacred Privilege To Serve

Psalm 36:5-9

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
Your judgments are like the great deep;
You save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house.
You give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Dear Oklahoma Disciples,

Nine years ago this past August, I traveled to Oklahoma to visit with the Regional Search Committee. On my return home, Michael Oberlender, the Chair of the Search Committee, called and said, “We’d like to call you as our next Regional Minister.” I was shocked and so excited because this was my dream coming true. In some ways that conversation seems like yesterday. I actually began serving as your Regional Minister on January 5, 2015, and am now writing to share with you my intent to retire, March 1, 2024, after nine years and two months service in Oklahoma.

Over the last nine years, we have re-established our covenant to serve together in ministries that support and nurture the communities in which we live. We have re-connected with one another in worship and learning. We have been empowered to share the love we have been given to be partners in God’s dream of community. We encountered a world-wide pandemic and while it was like returning to the wilderness, we were able to quickly establish new ways of communicating and worshiping together. And even though we are still recovering from the most challenging season we have ever known, we are surviving and thriving. Over the years, some congregations have closed their physical buildings, but the people have found new communities, and they have left remarkable legacy stories for ministry to continue. We have also hit a mile marker in that the Disciples Center has come to the end of the lease agreement that began in 1964. It is time for us to welcome and celebrate new beginnings and new life in the ways we can carry forth the love and light of Jesus Christ into this broken and fragmented world.

I have enjoyed every congregation in Oklahoma in worship, attending a special event, or serving as the advisor during a search & call process. I have enjoyed working closely with the Executive Committee and the Regional Church Board, as well as the Commissions, especially the Commission on Clergy. I have enjoyed the administrative tasks of this position, as well as how I have served the College of Regional Ministers and the General Commission on Ministry. I always find joy in the summer camping program with young people who discover new pathways and adults who are committed to this profound ministry. I cherish the pastoral relationships, providing support and encouragement when needed, celebrating the joys, and providing care and prayer in the the dark, rough places. Most especially, I treasure the extraordinary Regional Staff.

There have been some moments in these years that have broken my heart, but as we picked up the pieces, one by one and put them back together, we discovered new light and new life in ways that we just could not imagine. For these lessons in grace and patience, I am grateful.

Personally, during these nine years, our family has grieved the loss of many family members: Randy’s mother, Anna Rae Holt; his aunts & uncles (some who were Disciples ministers), Mona Holt, Orval Holt, Layton Holt, Susie & Watus Walden; our son, Brook Holt; my uncle, Dwight Green; and my mother, Shirley Green. Abundant joy came as we welcomed our grandson, Quincy!

We are not the same region we were on January 5, 2015 when I arrived, nor am I the same. So much has changed intentionally. And so much has changed that we did not foresee, but God’s goodness and mercy have certainly carried us through every step of the way.

Oklahoma Disciples are a remarkable part of the Body of Christ with many gifted, talented, faithful, and diverse people who belong to Jesus and long to serve to make this Region better in so many ways.

But I am not going to continue this blessed journey with you. Soon, I will have worked for a total of 51 years, 37 of which have been in ministry. I have scheduled my retirement date just past the 30th anniversary of my ordination and serving in full-time ministry. I anticipate that I have about 15 years ahead of me with good health and mobility, and I am looking forward to spending quality time with my horses, my husband, my family, and many friends (yes, in that order!).

Over the coming months, my work will focus on completing this call well by finishing up some of the necessary tasks, still and always sharing the love of God, and helping this amazing Region prepare for its next Regional Minister.

Your Moderator Rev. Michael Oberlender along with Vice-Moderator Stacy Minnick will work together to ensure that an Interim Regional Minister will be called, and they will be appointing a Search Committee soon. Rev. Terri Hord Owens has been informed, and the Oklahoma Region will once again follow the Executive Search Process model. A Regional Minister Search Partner from the College of Regional Ministers will be assigned before I depart to guide this process.

You all have been very gracious to allow me to lead you. I have led well in some ways, I have made plenty of mistakes, and I have learned a great deal. I am deeply grateful that I said “yes” to God’s call to serve in ministry, and I’m even more grateful that I could use my gifts to serve in Regional Ministry, which is where I began 37 years ago! Thank you!

May the Spirit of God continue to enable and empower us all to be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, just as Christ loves us.

Peace & God’s Grace,

CCOK3012023-10-05T10:49:14-05:00Oct 5, 2023|Regional News|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

Rev. Randy Kuss

Destination Unknown

Feeding & Clothing Those in Need

An Unclear Future

How Might YOU Help?

You’re Invited!

Lunch Reservations

Unable to Attend?

Send a Message

Please RSVP Your Lunch Reservation

Recognize Rev. Holt with a Gift in Her Honor

Resources Offered to Oklahoma Congregations

Seeking Elder & Clergy Submissions

Rev. Michael Oberlender Regional Moderator

Rev. Pamela G. Holt Regional Minister

Sacred Privilege To Serve

Rev. Michael Oberlender
Regional Moderator

Rev. Pamela G. Holt
Regional Minister