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Another Successful Caminante Mission Trip Completed

The Region is pleased to report another successful Caminante mission trip has been completed. Eight people from Oklahoma traveled to the Dominican Republic to work with Caminante in their community-wide summer fair. The group traveled on Saturday, July 22 and returned on Monday, July 31 and Tuesday, August 1. Tropical storms in Miami caused their return to last two days.

The summer fairs were held in different neighborhoods around Boca Chica. The fairs are similar to our Vacation Bible Schools including crafts, games, discussions, snacks and lunch.

Each week 225 – 350 children between the ages of 4 years – 15 years old participated. They spent their time working with children for five days, spending time with the care-giving staff of Caminante, and visiting with Sister Denisse about her priorities for the local children. Sister Denisse informed those traveling with Caminante that her first priority is to reduce social and economic racial prejudices directed at Haitian children.

From 2013 – 2016 Caminante had 14 homework rooms supporting about 500 children between the ages of 5 years – 12 years old. Many of these children are Haitian. Eight of these homework rooms were funded by a grant from USAID. Unfortunately, this grant was not renewed in 2017 resulting in closing eight homework rooms leaving only only six homework rooms. Continued financial support is always needed. If you choose to support this ministry with supplies or money please contact Don Johnson at (580) 402-2612.

The Region would like to thank all of the donors who supported this trip as well as the staff that helped behind the scenes. We recognize Rev. Don Johnson and Rev. Loma Sullivan for all their efforts to make this Caminante trip happen. A special thank you to everyone in the Oklahoma Region that made this trip successful, Rev. Pam Holt, Lorna Hernandez, Kelsey Cameron, John Goebel and all the supporting staff.

2019-03-18T15:46:54-05:00Aug 8, 2017|Mission|Comments Off on Another Successful Caminante Mission Trip Completed

Join the ODF $50,000 Endowment Challenge!

Join the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation (ODF) Endowment Challenge!

Phillips University Legacy Foundation (PULF) has launched a match challenge to support PULF’s endowment with the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation (ODF). From now until September 30, 2017, ODF will match 50 cents of every dollar donated to the “Phillips University Legacy Endowment fund.”

This permanent fund provides annual income for the benefit of the “Legacy Scholarship” program through PULF.

Read more about the match program here: http://okdfdn.org/wp-content/uploads/Spring-2017-ODF-Newsletter.pdf, or make your online donation here: https://okdfdn.org/giving-opportunities/donate-now/.

2019-03-18T15:46:59-05:00Aug 8, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off on Join the ODF $50,000 Endowment Challenge!

You’re Invited to A Gathering of Retired Ministers Sept. 19, 2017

You are invited to a gathering of retired ministers on September 19, 2017 in Norman, which includes a tour of the National Weather Center, lunch, and a meeting to talk about participation in the Regional Communications Network.

The day will begin with a 90 minute tour of the National Weather Center (located at 120 David L. Boren Blvd #2400, Norman) at 10am and is limited to 35 people. The tour will be filled with the first 35 people to respond to this invitation. Spouses are welcome.

Immediately following the tour, we will reconvene in the patio section at Rudy’s BBQ located on Highway 9 at 3450 Chautauqua Ave, Norman.

Following lunch, we will head over to First Christian Church Norman located at 220 S. Webster Ave, Norman, (3.4 miles from Rudy’s) to review details of the networking plan for the Regional Communications Network.

If you choose to forego the tour and/or lunch you are still welcome to meet at FCC Norman around 12:45pm.

RSVP to Rev. Bill Shields (event coordinator) at (405) 820-5693 or email BLShields@aol.com.

2019-03-18T15:47:03-05:00Aug 2, 2017|Clergy News|Comments Off on You’re Invited to A Gathering of Retired Ministers Sept. 19, 2017

A Note from Rev. Pam Holt About General Assembly 2017

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2017

Thank you to all ONE HUNDRED FORTY Oklahoma Disciples of Christ who attended General Assembly 2017 in Indianapolis. That is quite a presence for Oklahoma! A special thank you to the EIGHT delegates who were nominated by the Regional Board to attend the event on behalf of the Region: Larry & Diana Brown, Peggy Clemons, Debra DeGroot, Chelsea Gray, Janelle Gillesby, Randy Holt, and Sandy Malget.

This was a historical assembly as the Disciples of Christ elected its first African American woman to serve. And it was an emotional assembly as we all expressed our deep appreciation for The Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins’ tenure, and welcomed The Rev. Dr. Teresa Hord Owens as its next General Minister and President. It was a beautiful exchange of leadership unlike any other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were many other reasons everyone enjoyed this Assembly:  reuniting with friends colleagues, seeing family, engaging workshops, celebrating in worships with exceptional sermons. I am sure everyone will share a different moment to highlight. I have three favorite moments to highlight here. The first is from Monday night’s worship in the Convention Center. After wonderful singing, hearing a heartfelt, fervent sermon by the Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, partaking in communion, and offering our gifts, everything in that large space got quiet. As my eyes lifted from the offertory prayer, there on center stage sat the Rev. Dr. William N. Blue Eagle McCutchen, in his wheelchair, ready to send us forth with a blessing. It was a moment of being proud and deeply comforted at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second moment to highlight is that same night when over fifty of us from Oklahoma gathered in the JW Marriott bar for some refreshment, conversation, a group photo, and a robust singing of OKLAHOMA! It was very fun, very loud, and seemed to draw attention from all who were in the bar who joined in! There is never any doubt where we are from!

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

 

 

 

 

The third moment to highlight is when The Rev. Geoff Brewster and The Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison, both from PTS and Oklahoma, were surprised when they were each recognized and honored with The Rev. Michael Schloff Award at the Disciples Alliance Q banquet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are so many more highlights to share from many perspectives! We all came home tired but energized, and very grateful that we are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.

2019-03-18T15:47:07-05:00Jul 20, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off on A Note from Rev. Pam Holt About General Assembly 2017

Urgent Response Needed: Pension Fund Releases Important Information About Healthcare Zones

The Pension Fund is moving forward with the concept of Healthcare Zones for Disciples of Christ pastors and church employees across the US.  Please note:  this is not a restart of Churchwide Healthcare.  Through Gravie, Healthcare Zones will be created across the US.  The only way this can be effective is for pastors and church employees to express their interest by sending an e-mail to healthcare@pensionfund.org by August 15th.  

If you think you might have need for healthcare, or different healthcare for 2018, please read the letter Zones Communication July 17 2017 from the Pension Fund for more information, and if interested, please send an e-mail to healthcare@pensionfund.org.

From your interest, you will be sent an e-mail to complete additional information.  This is not a commitment; it is the only way to create the zones and assess the premiums.  If you have any questions, please contact your Regional Minister or the Pension Fund.

2019-03-18T15:47:12-05:00Jul 17, 2017|Clergy News|Comments Off on Urgent Response Needed: Pension Fund Releases Important Information About Healthcare Zones

8 Travel for July Caminante Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic

Please join us in praying for the upcoming Caminante Mission Trip taking place July 22-July 31 in the Dominican Republic. We would like to lift up Bret Carter, Jmikel Thompson, Jessica Coats, Rebecca Foust, Don Johnson, Allison Wenthold, Taylor Anderson, and Linda Catlin in prayer as they prepare to travel to the Dominican Republic to be the presence for the Region in this important children and youth ministry.

Caminante was founded by Sister Denisse in the mid 90’s in the city of Boca Chica in the Dominican Republic. This city is made up of vast contrasts, beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters that attract tourtists, but it continues to have a 35% unemployment rate due to the shutdown of sugar cane processing plants in the 90’s leaving many people struggling for work and the means to support their families.

Because of unemployment, children 10 years and younger drop out of school to shine shoes and sell trinkets on the beaches to financially support their families. “Homework rooms” were created by Sister Denisse to educate the local village children. Many children still work on the beaches in the morning, then come to school in the afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

These homework rooms have been successful in keeping the children in school and out of trouble.

Sister Denisse has also created a vocational school supported by local businesses and former recipients of Caminate’s programs. A variety of job skills such as sewing, cooking, baking, computer technology, web site design, pharmacy tech and cosmetology training are taught which lead to good paying jobs.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma has supported Caminante since 2008. We have provided almost $9,000 in financial support each year and have sent over 60 volunteers on mission trips to Caminante. We thank all of the donors who helped sponsor Caminante with money and supplies. Your support is very much appreciated and we can’t wait to update you on the amazing work that will happen during this July mission trip.

2019-03-18T15:47:18-05:00Jul 11, 2017|Mission|Comments Off on 8 Travel for July Caminante Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic

Disciples Women Announce 2017 Fall Retreats

Texoma Fall Retreat

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Marilyn Merle

Date: Friday-Saturday, September 15-16, 2017

Registration Check-in: 4:00 pm – 2:30 pm Friday

Location: Texoma Christian Camp, 15448 Texoma Christian Camp Rd., Kingston, OK

Cost: $45 Friday & Saturday. $35 Saturday only

Questions: Email jessica_m65@hotmail.com or call 580-618-2046

Register: Download a registration form and mail to Jessica Tilley, 10427 State Highway 3W
Ada OK 748200258

Northwest Area ODW Fall Retreat

Keynote Speaker: Ginger LaCroix

Song Leader: Regina Smith

Theme: Who’s Afraid of the Dark?

Date: Friday-Saturday, September 29-30, 2017

Location: Central Christian Camp, 1 Twin Cedar Ln., Guthrie, OK

Planners/Hostesses: Community Christian Church, Ponca City and Woodlands Christian Church, Ponca City

Register: Information Coming Soon

Flyer: Download a Flyer

Northeast Area ODW Fall Retreat

Keynote Speaker: Bernard Brandon Scott, Ph.D.

Theme: Jesus: Inspiring Women Then & Now

Labyrinth Walk: Lead by Rev. Darlene Martinez

Date: Friday-Saturday, October 6 & 7, 2017

Location: Camp Christian, 275 Camp Christian Ln., Chouteau, OK 74337

Cost: $70 Friday & Saturday (Bedding $5). $50 Saturday only (Make checks payable to NEODW Fall Retreat)

Scholarships: 50% available to first time attendees – contact Lori Richcreek

Register: Download a registration form and mail to NEACCO, 500 N 15th St., Broken Arrow, OK 74012

2017-07-24T15:25:16-05:00Jul 10, 2017|Disciples Women|Comments Off on Disciples Women Announce 2017 Fall Retreats

Rev. Teresa Hord Owens Elected

General Assembly elects Teresa Hord Owens as first African-American woman to head mainline denomination

INDIANAPOLIS July 9, 2017 – Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens was elected Sunday night to serve as the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She is the first African-American to hold this post and the second woman to lead the denomination.
Hord Owens comes to the position in a time of renewed emphasis on the issues of race, particularly in the United States. Her election comes on the 50th anniversary of the Merger Agreement uniting the African-American and largely white branches of the American-born denomination. She is currently pastor of a predominately white congregation in the Chicago area.

“We need to stop demonizing differences as deficiencies,” Hord Owens says. “We should seek to understand, to work through our differences in priorities, opinions, methods, and goals. This will not be easy, but imagine what an example this will be for the world if we can bridge the gaps in politics, identity, geography and theology.”

Hord Owens’ resume includes more than 20 years in corporate America leading diverse teams in data management before she entered seminary. For the last 15 years, she has been the dean of students at the University of Chicago Divinity School, shepherding a varied student body in both background and theology.
The election of Hord Owens follows the 12-year tenure of the Rev. Sharon E. Watkins, who was the first female to lead a mainline denomination in the United States upon her election in 2005. Hord Owens’ term is six years with an option for re-election in 2023 for an additional six-year term.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was born out of the Stone-Campbell Movement, part of the Great Awakening on the American frontier in the early 1800s. The denomination is congregationally governed, meaning each congregation appoints its own leadership and determines its own mission and support. There are 32 regional bodies that support congregations as well as relate to the general ministries of the denomination. (Learn more information on structure)

2017-07-10T09:46:50-05:00Jul 10, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off on Rev. Teresa Hord Owens Elected

Farewell – Sharon Watkins DOC Gen. Min. and President

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins offers a final word at the end of her second term as General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Watch the 2-minute video

General Minister and President Sharon Watkins reflects on the past 12 years of the life of the Disciples as she reaches the end of her second term.
Watch the 8-minute video

Please feel free to download and share with members of your congregation.

2017-06-28T09:19:04-05:00Jun 28, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off on Farewell – Sharon Watkins DOC Gen. Min. and President
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