CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

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.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:12-05:00Jul 17, 2017|Clergy News|Comments Off

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.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:18-05:00Jul 11, 2017|Mission|Comments Off

First Christian Church Lawton Hosts Summer Intern

First Christian Church Lawton was in the Lawton Constitution news with an inspiring story about their intern Erica Fernandez. Erica is working with Pastor Brandon Johnson at FCC Lawton this summer as well as assisting with the church’s outreach ministries. Read more HERE.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:27-05:00Jul 11, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

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 74820–0258

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

CCOK3012017-07-24T15:25:16-05:00Jul 10, 2017|Disciples Women|Comments Off

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)

CCOK3012017-07-10T09:46:50-05:00Jul 10, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

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.

CCOK3012017-06-28T09:19:04-05:00Jun 28, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Summer Brings VBS Fun!

Summer is always a fun time for children to enjoy the exciting activities planned at their Vacation Bible School.

FCC Guthrie hosted “Maker Fun Factory” VBS on June 12th-16th. There were 145 kids enrolled and an amazing crew of 55 adults and youth volunteered each morning to lead the week’s activities.

Children ages 4 years old through 5th grade explored Bible stories, Imagination Station, Fun Factory Snacks, games and music. On Sunday, June 18 the children led the morning worship service with the music they had learned through the week.

FCC Guthrie VBS

Also, throughout the week, there was a “Yes We Can!” Food Drive to benefit three local food banks. The children used the cans to stack and create robots, towers and rockets of all shapes and sizes and they aimed to build the tallest towers for their group. The food will be shared with “God’s Food Bank,” “Hands of Jesus” and the “Guthrie High School Food Pantry.”

On July 16th, the church will host “Back to the Fun Factory” as a community outreach and invite everyone to the Beacon Drive-In Theater to watch “Cars 3” and enjoy a hot dog cookout. Tickets for the Drive-In Theater movie were given out to VBS attendees and may be picked up at the church or during the July 16th worship service.

FCC Guthrie “Yes We Can!” Food Drive

Check out more pictures of the VBS programs from around the Region!

FCC Alva

FCC Cherokee

Children helping around the church at FCC El Reno VBS 2017

FCC Lawton

FCC Midwest City

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:31-05:00Jun 26, 2017|Youth|Comments Off

Thank You 2016 Annual Fund Donors

We honor these contributors for their support to the 2016 Annual Fund

Fred and Marilyn Aaron • Cathy Adams • Harold Aebi • Don and Judy Alexander • Lyeal and Jean Amos • Stacey and David Archer • Blake and Holly Armstrong • Melba Gene Arnold • Dana and Marty Askins • Mona Baird • Wanda Baker • Cecille Bales • Donna and Joe Bales • Donald and Joan Ballew • Mae Neece Barclay • Sharon and Mike Bartlett • Mary and Jim Bearden • Ron and Cara Beer • Mike and Paula Bibee • John and Lila Blair • Joel Blomgren • John and Helen Bloss • Mary Bogert • Jerry and Sheri Book • Gary and Lovilla Bowser • Detra Ann Branch • Leah Brashear • Judy Brawner • Janet Brittain • Ethel Mae Brown • Larry and Diana Brown • Les and Donna Brown • Shirley and Cecil Brownlee • Jo Dee Burger • Verona Burke • James Bussell • Lynne Adams Bussell • Gary and Mary Helen Buttman • Gary Cabbiness • John and Carletta Canada • James and Sue Cannon • Robert L. Cheek Jr. • John and Pam Chilvers • Ann Trueblood Choate • Carolyn Christy • C.M. and Sue Clark • Clay Clinesmith • Alice and Jerry Cochran • Steve and Janet Corley • Lloyd Cox • Millie and William Cress • Thelma Crouch • Nance Cunningham and Howard Stein • Marilyn J. Custer • Judy Cutter • Norman Dalke • Leroy S. and Gloria Davis • Lew and Dorothy Davis • Penny and Lloyd Davis • Randy and Carla Davis • William Davis and Terry Jacobs Davis • Laura DeHart • Tara and Curtis Dew • Page and Nancy Dobson • Paul and Brenda Dodson • Charlene Dorr • Leslie Dotson • Richard and Sue Duckworth • Linda Edgell • Ronald and Dixie Eldridge • Dorothy Elliott • Robert M. Elliott • Margaret Finley • Juanita Fitz • Martin and Paula Foster • Mary Alice Foster • Cleo and Joanne Fowler • John and Helen Franklin • Elton Fry • Irene Fry • LaVerne Frye • Olivia Garrett • Mildred Gee • Donna Gilchrist • Mark Gillett and Julia Jordan Gillett • Neil and Bendy Gilpin • Jack Graham • Eric and Elizabeth Gray • Hettie Green • Marilyn Gunter • Worth Hadley • Robert and Beverly Hall • Patricia Hammond • Ruth and Les Harness • E.R. Harris • Robert and Kathy Harris • Harold and Martha Hatt • Charles and Marilee Hattendorf • Don and Mary Heath • Trudy Hedgpath • George Hedrick • Jeanette and Gene Heitfeld • Richard and Lynda Himbury • Karl and Mary Hirsch • Don and Margaret Hixon • Judy and Stephen Hodgin • Nancy Hodgkinson • Pamela and Randy Holt • Paul and Jo Ann Hopkins • James Howard • Mabel Howard •

Sandy and Jay Hoyt • Barbara Hudson • John and Toni Imbler • Tim and Sandra Ireland • Gina and Chuck Jackson • Anita Johns • Donald B. Johnson and Tary Davis Johnson • Joe Jones • Gery and Shelley Kinder • Nancy Kouns • Tim and Beth Kowalski • Molly Krumme • Lynnette and Randy Kyler • John and Donna Landes • John and Eunice Lassiter • Harold and Jean Claire Lawson • Linda J. Lawson • Marvin and Mary Layman • Vernon and Yvonne Leake • Ronnie and Donna Leigh • Jackie Longacre • Michael and Ruth Longstreath • Fred and Ginger Martin • Betty Maulsby • Jim Maxwell • Kyle Maxwell and Debi Powell-Maxwell •  T. J. and Donna McCrite • Larry R. McDougal • Ruth McElroy • Delbert and Cecelia McGaha • Bernie McNickle • LaDonna and Herman Meinders • Marilyn and John Merle • Dorothy Messenger • Mickey and Pat Moery • J. Charles Monnet • Charl M. Moore • Richard and Clarice Morrison • Andrea and Mike Morriss • Richard and Janet Newman • Raymond North • Donna K. O’Keefe • Bill and Joyce Osmus • Sam and Phyllis Otis • Coy and Fay Parsley • C.D. and Valerie Payne • Kenny Payne Jr. • Charles and Carolyn Pettigrew • Sue C. Phelps • Bob and Mona Pigg • Don and Nancy Pittman • Ruth Reather • Earl and Loree Rice • Barbara J. Robinson • Lynn and Gaye Ann Rogers • Robert L. and Susan Rorschach • Daree Rose • Tom Russell • Robert and Betty Schreiner • Floydette Seal • Esther Semones • Melvin and Betty Sexton • Randel and Dana Shadid • Jim and Constance Sharp • Bill Shields and Kaye Edwards Shields • James and Kathleen Simmons • Robert and Beatrice Simpson • Verna Skouby • Gregory and Peggy Smith • Jody and Patsy Smith • Terry and Kathy Snider • Robert Sonnenfeld • David and Pam Spain • Glenn Speer • Eugene R. and Sallie Spillman • Eileen Stair • Kirk and Kathy Standridge • Roy and Ruth Sturgeon • Thelma Sughru • Kay Sullins • Gene and Thelma Sullivan • Patrick and Linda Sutherlin • Lola M. Tomson • Lee Ann Townsend • Darrel Wade • Leroy Wallace • Richard and Marilyn Walter • Danette Ware • Robert Weitzeil and Lois Lougee • Joe and Alma Wheeler • Donald L. Wiard • Dan and Gwen Willits • Hugh and Barbara Wilson • Luellen Wittenbach • James and Dawn Wood • Tom and Nancy Taylor Woods • Trent and Krista Yadon • George Young • Richard and Peggy Ziglar

Central Christian Church Enid • Central Christian Church Fairview • Crown Heights Christian Church, Oklahoma City • East Side Christian Church, Tulsa • First Christian Church Alva • First Christian Church Anadarko • First Christian Church Calumet • First Christian Church Chickasha • First Christian Church Cushing • First Christian Church Edmond • First Christian Church El Reno • First Christian Church Frederick • First Christian Church Hennessey • First Christian Church Hugo • First Christian Church Idabel • First Christian Church Kingfisher • First Christian Church Lawton • First Christian Church Midwest City

• First Christian Church Pond Creek • First Christian Church Prague • First Christian Church Stigler • First Christian Church Stillwater • First Christian Church Stroud • First Christian Church Tulsa • First Christian Church Wagoner • Garber Christian Church • New Covenant Christian Church, Oklahoma City • Odyssey Christian Church, Tulsa • Southern Hills Christian Church, Edmond • West Side Christian Church, Duncan • Woodlands Christian Church, Ponca City • Yale Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa

CCOK3012017-06-21T15:20:19-05:00Jun 21, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Your Generosity Nurtures Christ’s Church

Dear Regional Church Family,

Greetings! I am writing to thank you for your love for your congregation and to invite you to contribute to the Annual Fund of the larger church to which you belong, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma. This year’s goal for the Region’s Annual Fund is $130,000. As of this date, the Annual Fund has received almost 25% of its goal, and we need your help to reach our goal.

This is an exciting time of year for our young Disciples. Church camps have begun with Junior High young people renewing friendships and growing their faith. Camps for children and youth throughout the state continue through June and July. The Region has also expanded its camping ministry this year to include Grand Camp! This first year, 30 children and grandparents have registered and are excited to spend a weekend making precious memories. Overall, 350 campers’ lives will be transformed by their experiences at camp. Your gift supports this vital ministry that provides leadership for young people.

The Commission on Clergy, consisting of twelve lay people and clergy, have just completed another exhilarating and inspiring season for those who have said “yes” to God’s call to serve. First Christian Church Cherokee ordained Rev. Tom Stanley on May 21st, and Central Christian Church Enid ordained Rev. John Wheeler on May 28th. First Christian Church Tulsa will ordain Zenobia Mayo in August. Your gift supports this vital ministry that provides leadership for the whole church.

At this year’s General Assembly in Indianapolis, ten delegates representing the Oklahoma Region will include: Debra DeGroot, Chelsea Gray, Noel Gray, Janelle Gillispie, Randy Holt, Carmen Jackson, Sandy Malget, Peggy Clemmons, plus Larry and Diana Brown. Your gift provides this important opportunity for these faithful folks to participate as the voice of Oklahoma.

One of the priorities of the Region this year is to develop a Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism team. In November 2016, the Region hosted its first meeting where sixty people came to learn and share. The PRAR leadership team will receive its first training later this month. Your gifts are helping this critically needed ministry to move forward.

In April, the Region hosted another successful Leadership Training School, which offered numerous workshops for laity. Your gifts support this valued educational event.

In partnership with Global Ministries, in July a group of dedicated, faithful folks will travel to the Dominican Republic. They bring healing and hope to Caminante, a small school that provides safety and education to children who are easily targeted for sex trafficking. Your gifts are working beyond Oklahoma borders.

Another priority of the Regional Pastoral Staff is to be present to congregations and clergy in Sunday worship and in many of life’s varied circumstances. Your gift makes it possible for the pastoral staff to provide guidance and resources to our 149 congregations as each seeks to share God’s love in unique and beautiful ways in Oklahoma and beyond.

Your gift is also helping the Regional office better communicate with you. The Region has developed a robust website and monthly newsletter to help connect our congregations, and it has invested in new software to provide better care for you who help support the work of Regional ministry.

I am asking that you prayerfully consider giving to the 2017 Annual Fund to help support your Region and to reach its goal.

Again, thank you for your love of the church and your generosity to the Region of Oklahoma that seeks to equip, empower, and connect Disciples of Christ in Oklahoma living the way of Christ’s love.

Peace and prayer,

Pam Holt, Regional Minister

Give Online

CCOK3012017-06-28T10:42:02-05:00Jun 21, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Recent Minister Installations

Join us in congratulating Drew Kirtley, Andy Shelton, and Tyler Whipkey on their installations as ministers at these congregations.

First Christian Church Durant

Andy Shelton was installed May 21, 2017 as pastor at First Christian Church Durant. Music from the Ladies Vocal Scholars and the choir was enjoyed, followed by a wonderful message brought by Rev. Dr. Stephen Sprinkle. Associate Regional Minister, Leslie Dotson performed the Liturgy of Installation for Andy Shelton.

First Christian Church Hennessey

Drew Kirtley was installed on June 11, 2017 as pastor at First Christian Church Hennessey. Associate Regional Minister, Michael Davison performed the Liturgy of Installation for Drew Kirtley.

Bethany Christian Church

Tyler Whipkey was installed on April 30, 2017 as pastor at Bethany Christian Church in Miami, OK. Rev. Kelly Becker offered the sermon. Associate Regional Minister, Leslie Dotson performed the Liturgy of Installation for Tyler Whipkey.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:35-05:00Jun 21, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

Texoma Fall Retreat

Northwest Area ODW Fall Retreat

Northeast Area ODW Fall Retreat

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

FCC Guthrie VBS

FCC Guthrie “Yes We Can!” Food Drive

Check out more pictures of the VBS programs from around the Region!

FCC Alva

FCC Cherokee

Children helping around the church at FCC El Reno VBS 2017

FCC Lawton

FCC Midwest City

We honor these contributors for their support to the 2016 Annual Fund

First Christian Church Durant

First Christian Church Hennessey

Bethany Christian Church