CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

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

Summer Ordinations and Commissions

Please join us in congratulating Tom Stanley and John Wheeler on their ordinations and Randy Martin on his commissioning.

Tom Stanley was ordained May 21, 2017 at First Christian Church Cherokee. Tom completed his Masters of Divinity from Phillips Seminary, Tulsa.

John Wheeler was ordained May, 28 2017 at Central Christian Church in Enid. John completed his Masters of Divinity from Phillips Seminary, Tulsa.

Randy Martin was commissioned June 4, 2017 at Mustang Christian Church, Mustang. Randy completed the Region’s Commissioned Minister Training Program.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:40-05:00Jun 21, 2017|Clergy News|Comments Off

Northeast Area Elects Rev. Kevin Howe New Moderator

The Northeast Area has elected Rev. Kevin Howe as their new moderator. Kevin serves as Community Pastor Harvard Avenue Christian Church, engaging with the greater community of Tulsa since 2014.

His Masters of Divinity is from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas, and he has been involved in a number of church communities (including churches in Texas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Georgia, and New Mexico).

Passionate for mission and outreach, Kevin has served as a missionary to Honduras through Global Ministries (DoC). Kevin currently serves on the boards of OASIS Adult Day Services and Camp Christian. Some of his favorite activities involve making music, playing sports, and traveling with his wife, Jodi.

A few words from Kevin, “To the Northeast Area of the Christian Churches in Oklahoma (NEACCO), it is truly an honor to be called to serve as moderator of NEACCO, as we share together in service to God and neighbor. The ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in this geographical area takes many diverse forms through many rich gifts, and yet all are bound together in Christ.

As such, I am eager to explore with you how we can support each other through our collective efforts as an area: deepening our relationships with one another, sharpening our communication of ministry efforts, and identifying new opportunities for ministry. All of this will require an openness and flexibility to move in the direction that God leads.

I give thanks for the ways that you will contribute to the work of NEACCO through your support, resources and prayers. With God’s help, we will press forward, seeking to faithfully live out God’s vision for our lives, communities, and this area we know as NEACCO. We have Good News and there is good work to be done!”

In Christ,
Kevin Howe

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:44-05:00Jun 20, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Faith in Action Commission Calls for PRAR Prayer

Faith in Action Commission Calls for Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Season of Prayer

As followers of Christ, we are commanded to love God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. (Mark 12:30-21) John quotes Jesus saying to love one another. (John 13:34) Paul instructs us There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Have you ever wondered why Paul did not list race? Social scientists began identifying, analyzing, and categorizing race around the 18th century. It was a most meaningful time when slavery and Manifest Destiny needed justification.

Our world is fragmented and hurting because

we lack understanding of the complexities of our society.
we retain carefully taught values; we do not question.
the world is scary, and we are afraid of those who are different than us.
it is to our economic advantage to establish hierarchies of worth among our brothers and sisters.

The Faith in Action Commission is embarking on a process to address each of these realities in our world today. In the fall of 2016, we gathered a group to consider the development of a Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Team (PRAR) to coordinate this work.

On June 22-24, 2017 a planning task force will develop policies and procedures for this team with the help of leaders from the Illinois-Wisconsin Region who have some years of experience with such a group. We are asking all of you to join us in a season of prayer as we seek God’s guidance in such a time as these.

Oklahoma PRAR Task Force Members

Kelley Becker
Brenda Denson
Leslie Dotson – Associate Regional Minister
Deloris Guess
Brandon Johnson – Editor of policies and procedures
Marilynn Knott – Moderator of Faith in Action Commission
Marty McCutchen
Loretta Payne
Bill Skye
Tom Stanley – Editor of policies and procedures

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:49-05:00Jun 20, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

News from Disciples Retirement Community of Oklahoma

June 10, 2017 – The Board of Directors of the Disciples Retirement Community of Oklahoma (DRCO) are committed to fulfilling our moral obligation to the senior adults of Oklahoma in response to the 2005 bankruptcy of the National Benevolent Association. Our priority continues to be providing financial assistance to any Disciple residing at Bradford Village in Edmond, Oklahoma, who was a resident when it was formerly the Oklahoma Christian Home, if he or she outlive their financial resources.

However, there is still a desire to use our gifts and resources to broaden our ministry to assist other senior adults in Oklahoma in the name of Christ. We believe it is our responsibility as Christians to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, among them, senior adults. It is this passion to serve senior adults that led to the creation of Hearts of Care, a ministry that had the objective of meeting the basic needs of senior adults throughout our state.

Although we are disappointed that Hearts for Care failed to meet expectations to expand throughout Oklahoma, the DRCO Board understands that faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus often involves risk. Moreover, we also understand the importance of being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us; consequently, the ministry of Hearts for Care ended in December, 2016.

At this time, it is our goal to repay all debts incurred by Hearts for Care by the end of 2017 while continuing to fulfill our obligation to the Disciple residents at Bradford Village. After all debts are repaid, we will once again prayerfully discern how we can faithfully serve senior adults throughout Oklahoma.

The board is grateful to all of our donors who understand the importance of fulfilling our moral obligation to our senior adults. If God is calling you to help us minister to senior adults in Oklahoma, thank you for considering a gift to DRCO.

CCOK3012017-08-15T16:56:53-05:00Jun 15, 2017|DRCO|Comments Off

2017 Reconciliation Grants Awarded

Thanks to Local Congregation support of the Reconciliation Offering, the Faith in Action Commission of the Christian Church in Oklahoma awarded the following grants for program implementation in 2017-2018:

Tulsa County DMC Project Sponsoring Entity: the Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center, Tulsa, OK, a National Benevolent Association Partner.

Provide collaborative support in partnership with the Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center for its DMC Project (Tulsa County Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Community and Strategic Planning Demonstration Project) designed to improve relationships between the police and minority juveniles in Tulsa County, Oklahoma and be a model for other communities.

Project Promise, Inc. Sponsoring Church: Wildewood Christian Church (DOC) Oklahoma City, OK.

Partner with Project Promise, Inc. to promote the cross-cultural awareness aspects of its programming which also included instruction in reading and math, character development, various forms of arts, gardening, and positive social interactions. The program is targeted at Oklahoma City youth.

2018 Camp Curriculum Based on Theme: Reconciliation Sponsoring Entity: Children Youth and Young Adult Commission of the Christian Church in Oklahoma, statewide and General Church applicability.

Fund the development of age and educationally appropriate summer camp curriculum designed to address the systemic issues of race, gender, and sexuality utilizing biblical scholars and experienced curriculum writers, for camps held in 2018, which will be available for future use in Oklahoma and made available for purchase by other regions or faith groups

Martin Luther King Holiday Event 2018 Sponsoring Entity: Cameron Campus Ministry, Inc. Lawton, OK of which the Christian Church in Oklahoma is a covenanting member.

Partner in funding the annual Martin Luther King Holiday Event for 2018 designed to support the historical spirit of Civil Rights and social justice ministries. The event includes speakers, student essays, a day of service, a banquet and presentation of an MLK Humanitarian Award. Dr. William Barber is the invited speaker for the 2018 event. Cameron faculty, staff, and students, area churches, and the Fort Sill Army Base are encouraged to participate.

Wellbriety—Medicine Wheel and 12 Step program for Men and Women Sponsoring Entity: Sacred Hoops Native American Ministry Christian Church (DOC) Tulsa, OK.

Fund the creation of Talking Circles designed to initiate trust among Native Americans to help them feel safe and comfortable joining a 12 Step Program.

Interfaith Understanding Program and Disaster Spiritual Care Sponsoring Entity: Oklahoma Conference of Churches of which the Christian Church in Oklahoma is a founding partner and current member, Statewide applicability.

Partner with other faith groups in support of OCC’s Interfaith Understanding Program and interfaith and ecumenical response to disasters through its Disaster Spiritual Care Training and coordination.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:59-05:00Jun 1, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

SW Oklahoma Disciples Women’s Field Trip June 6th

You are invited to join the Southwest Oklahoma Disciples Women for a field trip to the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, June 6, 2017.

It’s time to treat yourself to the three R’s: Road trip, Refresh, and Rejuvenate. Imagine Christian Women converging at Myriad Botanical Gardens to enjoy some of the wonders of our creator.

The 15 acre Myriad Botanical Gardens is located at 301 W. Reno, Oklahoma City. Join for a short “Meet and Greet” at 9 am and then take advantage of group rates of $6 per person to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory which is the centerpiece of the gardens.

You will be provided self-guiding information so you are free to see all the thousands of beautiful varieties of flowers and plants at your own pace.

Please note they do not allow food or drinks inside the Crystal Bridge Conservatory area. Marilyn Bohlender will provide snacks at 9am during the “Meet and Greet” in the Public Pavilion area near the gift shop, located as you come in from the south entrance on Reno Ave. This is a good drop off entrance; buses may drop off here and park on SW 2nd between Harvey and Hudson Ave.

Everyone should expect to pay for metered parking and up to $10 in the nearby parking garages. Plan about two hours for looking but you may determine how much time you want to tour the gardens.

Lunch is on your own but you are invited to join the Lawton FCC women for lunch at Western Sizzlin on I-240 and Western Avenue.

For more information contact Marilyn Bohlender (SW OK DW Director) at 580-483-5110

Hope to see you there!

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:55-05:00May 22, 2017|Disciples Women|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

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

Oklahoma PRAR Task Force Members