The Northwest Area Disciples Women gathered at Central Christian Camp in Guthrie on Saturday, Sept 29-30, 2017 for their Fall Retreat. The theme was “Who’s Afraid of the Dark?” with keynote Speaker, Ginger LaCroix and song leader, Regina Smith.
Ministry as a vocation is filled with joy and sorrow. Ministry is energizing and tiring. Ministry is challenging and difficult. Ministry is listening and talking. Ministry is leading and following. Most importantly, ministry is transforming and heart changing.
Thank you, clergy, for representing God to the people and the people to God! We are grateful for your teaching, preaching, caregiving, and leadership in whatever ministry to which you are called. We are here to celebrate with you and walk along side you on the journey!
Rev. Pamela Holt, Rev. Michael Davison, Rev. Leslie Dotson
One way we want to celebrate our preaching clergy is by publishing a collection of sermons. Please send us your favorite Advent sermon that you preached in years past or one you have prepared for 2017. These submitted sermons will be published on our website as an e-Book in January 2018. Please use the criteria below when you submit the sermon.
To submit a sermon to the Christian Church in Oklahoma:
Word format (no special characters)
Please include a brief, two sentence bio which includes where you are currently serving.
Thank you for participating! We look forward to reading and sharing the Word of God that is revealed through each of you.
The application period (Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2017) for the 2018 Clergy Continuing Education Grants is open. Applications completed by Disciples Clergy with Standing (Ordained or Commissioned) will be considered for awards to be distributed next year.
These awards are to help DOC clergy participate in continuing education experiences in 2018 that will enhance their gifts and graces for ministry.
You can find out more, and access the application process here. https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/clergy/scholarships/christian-vocation-continuing-education/
You are invited to a live presentation for clergy and clinical staff titled “Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission”. Churches hold a special attraction for many people who struggle with mental illness. With this attraction comes a unique responsibility to respond in a loving and productive way. Some respond by sending people away; how does your church respond?
This workshop will help you understand the church’s unique position in your community and the responsibility that comes with it. It will highlight three ways many churches get it wrong, along with some key questions to help you formulate a different response.
No registration required for this free program.
Approved continuing education credits available for social workers and nurses. INTEGRIS Health is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity is provided through INTEGRIS Health for 3 contact hours.
INTEGRIS Health is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers CEP #20170008. This offering for 3 contact hours has been provided by INTEGRIS Health.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
A few weeks ago, after Hurricane Harvey created its disaster on the coast of Texas, we asked for Oklahoma congregations to participate in creating desperately needed Church World Service Hygiene Kits and Clean Up Buckets. Look what you all have done! You all have responded in an astounding way!
Since this request, Hurricane Irma made her mess in the Caribbean islands and Florida. Then, Hurricane Maria decimated Puerto Rico. All your work and your prayers will be delivered to unknown recipients who will receive these gifts with deep gratitude.
Blessings,
Rev. Pam Holt
Here are pictures of our congregations uniting to help.
FCC Edmond has been featured in The Edmond Sun for the bucket project. Read more HERE.
On Friday, September 29, 2017, Regional Minister Pam Holt met the volunteers from congregations who served as drop off locations at the OK Conference UMC Ministry Center in Oklahoma City to help unload the buckets and hygiene kits. These much needed supplies will assistant in hurricane relief efforts for U.S. citizens in the mainland and Puerto Rico.
UMC Volunteers are working directly with Church World Service to have the clean up buckets and kits picked up and distributed for hurricane relief.
Scott Rackets is shown delivering a truck load of buckets that Harvard Avenue Christian Church in Tulsa had collected.
FCC Duncan Volunteers.
Iglesia Christiana El Shaddai in Enid helped to pick up and transport the buckets from FCC Edmond to the UMC collection site in Oklahoma City.
FCC Perry assembled 60 cleanup buckets surpassing their goal of 20.
A special thank you to the churches who participated as Drop Off Sites:
Are you looking for a fall festival or a pumpkin patch? Look no further! Check out the activities available at the Disciples of Christ churches in Oklahoma.
Pumpkin Patch:
Halloween Carnivals and Fall Festivals:
Do you want to add your church’s event information to this article? Email office@okdisciples.org with the details.
Retired ministers from Oklahoma gathered in Norman Tuesday, September 19 for education, fellowship and encouragement from Regional Minister Rev. Pamela Holt.
First stop was the National Weather Center on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. The guided tour walked the group through the five-story building watching meteorologists checking out radar from across the continental United States. Hurricanes loomed in the Caribbean spreading paths of destruction. The National Weather Service tracks severe storms and shares warnings and information to local Emergency Management Teams to alert the general public of impending danger. The observation area on top of the building presented a bird’s eye view across Oklahoma.
Moving onto Rudy’s BBQ a mile west from the NWC, the group enjoyed lunch and catching up with their fellow retirees. Sharing news of trips, family members and church activities. They moved on to the parlor of First Christian Church, Norman to hear an update of statewide activities and events from Rev. Holt. Pam told the retirees of needs throughout the Region and how they could help. Seventeen retired ministers and five of their spouses participated in the day’s activities.
Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center is a not-for-profit agency that seeks to provide resources and assistance to individuals and their families that will empower them to live a successful and purposeful life.
The Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center was recognized by the National Benevolent Association for their work in Tulsa.
Read the article from the NBA HERE
You are invited to join the Southwest Oklahoma Disciples Women on October 14, 2017 at Lawton First Christian Church for their next gathering. All women are invited to come, whether or not they are members of a Disciples Women/CWF group.
Date: October 14, 2017
Time: 10am – 2pm
Cost: $5 includes lunch
Location: Lawton First Christian Church, 701 SW D Ave. Lawton, OK 73505
For further information, please contact Marilyn Bohlender, SW OK DW Director, 580-483-5110 or mbohlender1@gmail.com
Childcare is available. $3 per child includes lunch, snack and activities for school-age and nursery children. Please reserve a spot with Marilyn at 580-483-5110
The Southeast Area Disciples Women gathered at Texoma Christian Camp Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16 for their fall retreat. The guest speaker was Rev. Marilyn Merle.
The women enjoyed the message from Rev. Marilyn Merle, fellowship, and a gift basket auction which raised money for Texoma Christian Camp.
