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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

2024-01-30T11:49:10-06:00Jan 30, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off on Legacy Gifts to Honor Rev. Pamela G. & Randy Holt

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…

2024-04-02T14:29:00-05:00Jan 9, 2024|Disciples Women|Comments Off on Be Still and Listen

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?

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

First Name

Last Name

# Persons in Your Party

Email

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.

Read More About Legacy Giving from Congregations and Organizations

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

2024-01-31T09:58:34-06:00Jan 4, 2024|Regional News|Comments Off on Pamela Holt Retirement Celebration

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

2023-11-13T10:57:30-06:00Nov 9, 2023|Regional News|Comments Off on Disciples Center Deconsecration Service

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.

2024-04-02T15:01:02-05:00Oct 13, 2023|Clergy News|Comments Off on New Website Collects Oklahoma Worship Content

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,

2023-10-05T10:49:14-05:00Oct 5, 2023|Regional News|Comments Off on Regional Minister Pamela Holt Announces Retirement

Empower & Equip 2023

Preparing Leaders for Today’s Church

Empower & Equip is a one-day leadership development conference for Oklahoma Disciples provided by your Oklahoma Regional Church.

This in-person event is Saturday, October 14th at New Covenant Christian Church, Oklahoma City.

You’ll find Best Practices workshops on vital ministry topics for elders, deacons, board members, youth and lay leaders. Reserve Your Space Today!

Enjoy an uplifting worship experience with guest preacher Pastor Milton Bowens of Shepherd Street Christian Church, Chickasha.

Register and find all the details HERE!

2023-10-03T12:29:20-05:00Oct 3, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off on Empower & Equip 2023

Help Us Honor Clergy in October!

October is National Clergy Appreciation Month, a time set aside to recognize the contributions and service of pastors, priests, reverends, ministers, and all other clergy members. Pastors and their families live under incredible pressures. Their lives are played out in a fishbowl, with the entire congregation and community watching their every move. The good news is that we can make a difference.

The call to honor our church leaders’ contributions can be traced back to Paul. In establishing the first Christian churches, Paul advised the congregation to give “double honor” to the elders of the church who managed the affairs of the church well, “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

Given everything that our clergy do, we should take time to appreciate and encourage them and their staff members. These men and women can be celebrated in a variety of ways, through personal notes or gifts, a planned festive event, or just a simple thank you!

Here are seven ways to show your gratitude for their service and sacrifice:

  1. Send your pastor a greeting card or a handwritten note with a message of gratitude for him or her
  2. Ask your children to draw a picture or create other artwork for your pastor or Sunday school leader.
  3. Volunteer to assist your pastor at a favorite ministry or charity organization, such as a hospital or nursing home.
  4. Take a group photo with fellow churchgoers in front of the church or other organization where the clergy member works. Present the photo as an already-framed gift.
  5. Give your religious leader a “thank you basket” filled with his or her favorite brand of coffee or pop, favorite snack, or hard-to-find allergy-friendly food items.
  6. Create a photo calendar with a picture of saints or inspiring Bible passages for each month of the year.
  7. Request contributions from your congregation to update your clergy member’s office with ergonomic chairs and keyboards, new software, new artwork, or other furnishings.

Pastor Appreciation Month is one way we can counter the negative erosion in the lives of our spiritual leaders with the positive affirmation they need. We will likely never know the full extent of discouragement our leadership feels at any given time — but our encouragement could be incredibly impactful.

So in October, remember to take a moment and show your church leadership how much you appreciate all they do!

Peace & God’s Grace,

2023-10-03T12:17:26-05:00Oct 3, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off on Help Us Honor Clergy in October!

Oklahoma Disciples Clergy Women 24 Hr Retreat

Come Away With Me – A 24hr Retreat

Oklahoma Disciples clergy women with standing are invited to participate in a 24-hour retreat, 12pm Tuesday, Oct. 17 through 12pm Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

The event will be held at St. Crispin’s Conference Center (just east of Seminole near Sportsman Lake Recreation Area). Come rest and renew at this beautiful retreat center just 70 miles east of Oklahoma City and 85 miles southwest of Tulsa.

Guest speaker is Pat Webb of The Silence Foundation.

Registration Cost: $35 includes 3 meals, snacks and a book

Complimentary Single Room or Double Occupancy (Rooms are free for participants)

Registration closes Sept. 11th.

We hope to see you there!

2023-08-17T08:48:43-05:00Aug 14, 2023|Clergy News|Comments Off on Oklahoma Disciples Clergy Women 24 Hr Retreat

Local Event: The Threat of White Christian Nationalism

Edmond Trinity Christian Church Hosts Event

The Threat of White Christian Nationalism

July 21-22, 2023 • Free Admission • No Registration Required
Edmond Trinity Christian Church, 1400 NW 178th St., Edmond, OK 73012

Getting Our Facts Straight: What Is (And Isn’t) White Christian Nationalism

Friday, July 21, 7:00 pm

Dr. Samuel L. Perry, Asst. Professor of Sociology &  Religious Studies, Univ. of Oklahoma.
Co-Author, The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy

The Rebirth of the Oklahoma Ku Klux Klan in the 1920’s

Saturday, July 22, 9:30 am

Rev. Dr. Lisa Barnett, Asst. Professor of American Religious History, Phillips Theological Seminary
Will lecture on her research on the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan in Oklahoma in the 1920’s and its infusion of patriotism and religion.

Panel Discussion on White Christian Nationalism in Oklahoma Today

Saturday, July 22, 11:00 am

Panelists:

  • Black Lives Matter OKC, Sheri Dickerson
  • CAIR Oklahoma, Veronica Laisure
  • Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, Adam Brooks

For more information contact Rev. Don Heath (405) 823-8511 or disciples@edmondtrinity.org.

Download a flyer

2023-07-11T15:32:37-05:00Jul 5, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off on Local Event: The Threat of White Christian Nationalism
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