CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

OKC Community Foundation Grant

Grants Help Provide Warm Meals to Homebound Elderly

Oklahoma City Community Foundation Awards Grants to Nine Christian Churches in Oklahoma County

(OKLAHOMA CITY) – The Trustees of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation recently awarded $34,100 in grants to 56 churches, including nine Christian churches, providing warm, fresh meals to homebound elderly residents through Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County. Grants were also awarded to Edmond Mobile Meals and Meals on Wheels of Norman for $3,000 each.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has supported Mobile Meals programs in central Oklahoma for eight consecutive years, awarding more than $259,000 since 2008. This year, the organization increased the amount of grants awarded for Mobile Meals programs by 10 percent. The grants come at a critical time for Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County. Earlier this year, the organization was in danger of closing following state budget cuts.

“The grants we have received from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation have been an absolute lifesaver for our program,” said Allen Johnson, project director for Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County. “The grants provided the sustenance to keep our program alive until other funding options were available, and they have allowed us to expand our reach of home-delivered meals over the last six months.”

Older adults often experience challenges such as limited income, travel and health limitations that contribute to their risk of going hungry. One out of every six Oklahoma seniors struggles with hunger, including 16,152 seniors in Oklahoma County. According to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, our state ranks among the top 10 in the nation with seniors who experience food insecurity. As the baby-boom generation continues to age, these statistics are predicted to increase.

Through the help of volunteers from churches and other organizations, Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County provides meals to more than 1,000 metropolitan area seniors age 60 and older who are unable to prepare their own food. Edmond Mobile Meals serves 1,000 meals per week and the Norman Meals on Wheels program serves more than 300 clients a day. The programs also provide seniors with consistent personal contact and inquiry on their well-being.

“Mobile Meals is a vital service for homebound elderly in our community and we truly appreciate the commitment from these churches and their congregations to support the program,” said Nancy B. Anthony, president of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

Grants were awarded to the following Christian churches that provide meals through Mobile Meals of Oklahoma County:

Crown Heights Christian Church
First Christian Church
Forest Hill Christian Church
Hillcrest Christian Church
New Covenant Christian Church
Nicoma Park Christian Church
Putnam City Christian Church
Western Oaks Christian Church

A complete list of churches that recently received grants can be found at occf.org/meals.

About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation:

Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with donors to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, visit www.occf.org.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:52:12-05:00Jan 17, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

ODF Seeking Part-time Admin. Assistant

The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant to work approximately 20 hours per week at the Foundation offices located at 301 NW 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73118.

The Administrative Assistant reports directly to the Foundation Executive Director and takes direction from and provides assistance to other staff members.

Click here for a more detailed job description.

Please email your resume to Eric Gray, Executive Director, egray@okdfdn.org or mail it to 301 NW 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73118

The Foundation is an independent, Oklahoma-based non-profit 501(c) (3) organization related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma. The Foundation accepts gifts in the form of donations of cash, real estate, mineral royalties, stocks/bonds, etc. These gifts are pooled, invested with an outside money manager, and annual earnings (per policy) are distributed to organizations and ministries related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) regionally and worldwide.

http://okdfdn.org/about-us/news/

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:52:17-05:00Jan 17, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

SW Region Searching for a Regional Minister

The Southwest Region is currently searching for a Regional Minister.

The Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a region of 32,625 participating members in over 400 congregations in New Mexico, Texas, the panhandle of Oklahoma, and Liberal, Kansas. The Region is searching for a Regional Minister who:

Embodies and articulates a strong identity as a Disciple of Christ.
Understands and encourages the missions of local congregations.
Proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action.
Supports and equips clergy.
Works with areas in ministry.
Understands and is experienced with transformation in the church.
Respects and celebrates diversity in race, culture, theology and language.
Is accountable and responsible for all Regional staff and programs.
Maintains and builds relationship with the denomination on behalf of the Southwest.
Delegates and oversees representatives of the Region on boards and in other obligations, done in consultation with the Regional Council.

Interested candidates should send an email of interest to chair of the search committee, Jeff Billings Jbillings@ccsw.org.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:52:26-05:00Jan 17, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Central Area Disciples Men 2017 Schedule

Central Area Disciples Men Announce 2017 Meeting Schedule

April 13, 2017

6:30 – 8:00 pm

First Christian Church Yukon

601 Maple Ave, Yukon 73099

July 13, 2017

6:30 – 8:00 pm

Location to be determined

October 12, 2017

6:30 – 8:00 pm

Location to be determined

If you would like to be involved in the Central Area Disciples Men activities, please contact president Rev. Keith Spaulding (405) 473-7441.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:52:30-05:00Jan 17, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

ODF Director’s Column by Eric Gray

“Man Plans and God Laughs”

I write this column hesitantly keeping in mind the above quote. I know no matter how much we plan, things can happen which force us to reevaluate or cancel our plans. No matter how well intentioned we are, failure is always within grasp. We simply cannot know enough to ensure success on our own.

To truly succeed, our plans at the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation must be God’s plan for the Foundation and for the church. When we look at things this way planning becomes a process of discernment. It is also an act of humility in acknowledging that we are merely instruments for discerning and accomplishing God’s Will. Discernment is not static. It is a process. Plans change over time as God’s Will is revealed.

The process of discernment occurs through the work of the staff, Board of Directors and Committees of the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation. That process has many aspects but it always begins with prayer. We pray for guidance. Prayer centers us. Prayer helps us to be patient. Prayer allows us to align ourselves with and commit ourselves to God’s plan as it is revealed. Discernment through work and prayer has led to a framework for the present and the future of the Foundation. That framework has five parts.

First, we must grow. It seems a little silly to say this but it is necessary to say it. Institutions just like people are either growing or dying. A goal of staying the same is a goal of dying. Even though growth requires risk and change, it is the only way forward. We must grow our assets, our distributions and grow our ability to deliver resources to the areas of the church where those resources are needed most. To this end, the Foundation holds several endowments which generate funds as directed by a Grant Committee of the Foundation. Over the years, these endowment funds will continue to grow allowing for distribution of more funds by the Grants Committee. Watch here for more exciting news on this new program.

Second, we must expand the areas in which we provide services. This is a matter of preparation. We must be open to new financial methods and vehicles to help the church grow and thrive. We continually strive to be responsive to the needs of the Oklahoma churches. In 2017, we will be introducing new investment products within our Custodial Funds program to allow churches more flexibility and financial resources. We will also be considering new ways for individuals to accomplish their giving objectives. Details will be available in our newsletters and on our website. Or, provide us your email for our weekly email updates.

Third, we must constantly strive to acquire the best returns possible for the Foundation’s managed assets without unnecessary risk. The staff and Board of Directors just finished an extensive process seeking bids for money management team. From eleven very capable bidders, Bank of Oklahoma was selected as our new money manager beginning January 2017. We are excited about the new relationship and look forward to it being beneficial to all.

Fourth, we must control and reduce fees and expenses. We have been actively seeking ways to reduce the administrative fee burden on all of our funds and we will continue that effort with a goal of funding all of the Foundation operations without any burden on the named endowments. We will also be reducing fees on certain custodial funds on a tiered basis. Fees on large custodial fund deposits will reduce to as low as .0015%. Full details of this program are outlined here.

Finally, we will continue to rejoice in gratitude for what God has done and continues to do. Celebrating allows us to share together in all that God has provided. We will continue to celebrate the generosity of those who have been called to support the Christian Church in Oklahoma through endowments. We will also celebrate the Disciples who support the operations of the Foundation. To honor and recognize their commitment, the Foundation has implemented the Chalice Society program. For more details about the Chalice Society, click here.

God bless you in 2017 and may God’s plans guide your generosity throughout the year and years to come.

Grace and peace,

Eric

Eric S. Gray, Executive Director

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:52:35-05:00Jan 12, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

New Year’s Greeting: Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins

January 2017

Dearest Friends in Christ –

“Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.”

From the Advent promise of Emmanuel: God with us; to the Epiphany revelation: God-with-us-now, we hope.

And yet, I confess, as 2017 begins, my heart is bruised by the pain and division the United States and Canada have experienced which have filtered into our communities and congregations. Antagonistic elections in the United States have upended civil discourse. Repeated public incidents of both individual and institutional racism have fractured relationships in communities. And beyond our borders, civil wars in places like South Sudan and Syria, as well as natural disasters in long-suffering Haiti, only increase the need for healing of all kinds.

Still, along with “all of creation” in Romans 8:18, we wait expectantly “for the children of God to be revealed.” In fact, we hope to be among them. We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. We know God to be a God of abundance who provides enough for all and makes room enough for all.

This is the time for Disciples to shine! We have long found ways to live together in unity for the sake of God’s mission. Our ability to respect (and engage!) a diversity of faithful opinions is needed now more than ever. Our emphasis on healing the rifts of racism with pro-reconciling work is foundational to moving forward in our part of the world and globally. Our shared sense of service that came through loud and clear in our Mission Gatherings of 2016 gives us some of the connections we need to start living into the wholeness God so ardently wishes for us.

Our deep hope in God’s healing presence leads us to action.

Mission First!

Disciples are on the move toward new ways of being God’s hands and feet in the world through our work on Mission First! The Mission Council met late last year to identify common themes arising from the mission gatherings. We found many Disciples are hearing a call to mission with and for children, youth and young adults through efforts at inclusion, speaking up for the vulnerable and addressing racism. The Council affirmed welcome and accompaniment as hallmarks of our participation in God’s mission. At some of the gatherings – in the MidAmerica Region, for example – people found others who share their missional passions and formed connections to work together immediately. The Administrative Committee is preparing a proposal on how we might implement what we learned from the governance portion of the Mission First! pilot effort.

Pro-Reconciliation

As called for in General Assembly resolution 1328, the Racist Language Audit Task Force presented their report in 2016. General ministries, regions and the General Board, have already started to address the issues surfaced. Governing documents are being translated, sometimes for the first time, into French, Spanish and Korean. The National Convocation, at the 2016 Biennial Session, committed to renewed support for Reconciliation Ministry and calls upon the rest of the church to do the same.

New starts

In 2017, we look forward to new beginnings with our next General Minister and President to be elected in July at the General Assembly, along with our new moderator team. We anticipate gathering once again at the Lord’s Table to be united as ONE, celebrating Jesus’ prayer on our behalf that the world may believe.

Called to Live in Hope

After nearly 12 years, serving as your general minister and president, I still believe we are a church whose time has come. We are a gifted people, called for such a time as this. Refining our missional focus across the life of the Church, renewing our commitment to racial justice, catching the Spirit in new ways to further our part in God’s work of healing and wholeness – we enter 2017 ready to be and to share the good news of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving, and serving, from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth

With hope in Christ undimmed, I greet you in this New Year. May we all resolve to live right now in “the assurance of things hoped for!” (Hebrews 11:1)

Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins

General Minister and President

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:52:41-05:00Jan 12, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Oklahoma Alliance for Liturgy and the Arts will present a prayer service to commemorate the 2017 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, at 4 p.m., at the Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene, 4400 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City.

All are invited. The service will include music, prayer, scripture and presentations by two speakers:

Rev. Floyd Schoenhals – Bishop Emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Sister Diane Koorie, RSM – Director of the Pastoral Ministry Program of the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

This year marks the 110th annual observance of the Week of Prayer, which began in 1908. The observance lasts eight days, beginning Jan. 18. These dates were originally chosen because they included the Christian celebrations of Saint Peter on Jan. 18 and Saint Paul on Jan. 25.

Father Stephen Bird, president of the Oklahoma Alliance for Liturgy and the Arts, said, “Our service this year is especially important in that 2017 marks the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation era. Recent ecumenical events between the two church bodies (the Roman Catholic and the Lutheran Churches) remind us that we are called to Reconciliation, for the Love of Christ Compels Us to work for unity and peace in the Church. The goal of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is to pray for the unity that Christ wills by whatever means he wills it.”

The mission of the Oklahoma Alliance for Liturgy & the Arts, a Christian not-for- profit interdenominational organization, is to enhance communal worship by promoting the visual and performing arts in Oklahoma churches.

(For more information or materials on the national Week of Prayer, go to www.geii.org, Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute.)

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:52:45-05:00Jan 12, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

FCC OKC Property For Sale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2016

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma City is one of 149 congregations in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma. This congregation organized and held its first service in 1889 near what is now the intersection of Main and Broadway. The first permanent home of the church was at the corner of NW 3rd and Harvey, where the Federal Reserve bank now stands. It was dedicated in 1894. In 1903 they moved to the southeast corner of NW 3rd and Robinson where they worshiped until 1956 when the beautiful, new, iconic sanctuary, education building and music building were completed at NW 36th and Walker. In 1961, the Youth Center was completed. This 31.8 acre campus has been a vibrant place of activity and worship for the last 60 years, and even served as the blessed site of grief and recovery after the Murrah bombing in 1995.

Current Ministries

Part of First Christian Church’s current ministry outreach is a bicycle ministry which helps provide transportation for many in the OKC area and have given away over 2,000 rebuilt bicycles. They also celebrate the Jewel Box Theatre’s ministry of music and drama to the community.

Unanimous Decision to Sell the Property

Earlier this month, the congregation made a difficult decision and unanimously voted to sell the entire property and now has a “for sale” sign on it. They are once again in the process of dreaming and planning for a new sacred place for worship that better fits their needs.

We hold this congregation in prayer and invite you to join us as this congregation continues to discern God’s call for their ministry.

In this season of Advent, may the Light of Christ meet you and illuminate your way.

Peace & God’s Grace,

Rev. Pam Holt, Regional Minister

Download Press Release

CCOK3012016-12-06T16:04:16-06:00Dec 6, 2016|Congregations|Comments Off

Annual Fund: Why Your Gift is Important

Dear Regional Church Family,

Just as this is the season of stewardship in your home church, this is also the season of stewardship for the Region. We are asking you to help support the ministry of the Regional church by making a contribution to the Annual Fund 2016 before December 31, 2016.

Every dollar counts, and every dollar is significant, especially when these offerings are given and blessed by God. These monies are used to support, encourage, connect and equip the faithful in our midst as we all, in our unique and diverse ministries, seek to bring healing and wholeness in our broken and fragmented world.

Making “Mission” a First Priority

Over 400 people gathered at our Leadership Training Event to hear from Vy Nuygen, executive director of Week of Compassion, and to attend a variety of workshops, including many on mission.

Over 300 people gathered at our bi-annual Regional Assembly where we were empowered and sent forth into the community to “do” mission. Read about how we learned to build bridges, served our community, and enjoyed fellowship.

All of our summer youth camps, generously supported by Oklahoma Disciples Men, were full of young people who hunger for a word from the Lord and long to use their gifts in mission. See a list of the many congregations who participated in outdoor ministry this summer.

Our Region welcomed a visit from a Caminante intern Henry Brewer-Calvert, and we celebrated a Regional mission trip to Caminante, Dominican Republic, which is faithfully supported by Oklahoma Disciples Women.

We have held “Mission First!” gatherings in several places around the Region so that our voice will be united with the whole church.

We Serve Over 150 Oklahoma Disciples Congregations

Over 150 Disciples congregations continue to reach beyond their doors in wonderful and creative ministries in and around their communities. We invite you to read about these joys.

Ordaining and Commissioning Clergy

We also celebrate congregations who ordained 8 candidates into Christ’s church: Amy Grogran, Bethany Christian Church, Tulsa; Joy Naylor, Fellowship Christian Church, Broken Arrow; Chuck Jackson, South Grand Lake Christian Church, Langley; Cecilia Tolley, Northwest Christian Church, OKC; Mark Taylor, FCC Edmond; Kaycee Young, FCC Talequah; Drew Kirtley, FCC Duncan; Sondra Ladd, FCC Stillwater. Two congregations commissioned pastors: Lisa Wynn, FCC Guthrie; Evan Taylor, East Side CC, Tulsa. And the Region continues to support almost 300 clergy called to lead in a variety of ways: congregations, chaplaincy, teaching, hospices, non-profits, and prisons.

New Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racism Training

On November 19th, the Region hosted a Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism (PRAR) workshop where over 50 diverse folks from around the state united to learn how to create a PRAR team in our Region. Learn more about this important new initiative.

Your Gift Makes A Difference

The Region of Oklahoma has numerous things for which we can be thankful. In this season of Thanksgiving, and as you gather with family and friends on Thanksgiving Day, we invite you to make a list of blessings from this past year. We are sure the list will be long! We trust you will give thanks for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which is making a difference in the name of Christ in Oklahoma, not only with prayer, but also with a monetary gift. Thank you for your gift so that we may further our mission. You may securely donate online here.

May God continue to bless you, your congregation, and our Region in the name of Christ. Peace & God’s grace,

Pamela G. Holt, Regional Minister

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:52:50-05:00Nov 25, 2016|Regional News|Comments Off

Christmas Offering to Support Regional Ministries

The Regional Office is the portal that unites the diversity and mission of Oklahoma congregations and Christ’s followers.

Our regional staff and its volunteer board work to

Encourage 151 diverse congregations and their clergy, and 10 non-profit ministries in mission.
Support nearly 300 commissioned and ordained clergy serving in congregations, hospitals, military chaplaincy, higher education, camps, foundations, non-profit organizations.
Help congregations seeking to call a new pastor.
Provide laity and clergy with educational and leadership resources.
Pray for and provide pastoral care to our clergy and their families.
Guide those called by God who seek ministry as a vocation as ordained clergy.
Credential all Disciples of Christ clergy in the Region of Oklahoma.
Provide resources and leadership for young people through summer camps and seasonal retreats.

Please consider supporting Oklahoma Regional Ministries with a gift to the Christmas Offering through your church or you may donate online.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:52:54-05:00Nov 24, 2016|Regional News|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2016

Current Ministries

Unanimous Decision to Sell the Property

Making “Mission” a First Priority

We Serve Over 150 Oklahoma Disciples Congregations

Ordaining and Commissioning Clergy

New Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racism Training

Your Gift Makes A Difference