CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

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

Thank You for Supporting Global Ministries

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma is proud to report a gift of $6,600 to Global Ministries. Of this $6,600 gift, $3,600 represents 50% of the Oklahoma Region’s $7,200 commitment to support Caminante in 2017 and $3,000 of this gift will be used for supplies for the July summer fair.

Reverend Jane Sullivan-Davis, CFRE (Executive for Resource Development Global Ministries) says “With your gift, we walk together with international partners on our shared journey.

In South Korea, Global Ministries missionary Kahala Cannon writes that the Unity of Filipino Migrant Workers Association in Korea (KASAMMAKO) planted seeds as they celebrated the 19th anniversary of their organization. Members presented items that represented their struggles of living and working in Korea. A pair of gloves, a roll of ribbon, cloth, and towels were all items which symbolize the labor, sweat, and tears poured out each day in the factories in Korea, and also reaffirm their efforts in breaking down walls of injustice and moving toward self-sustainability.

Thank you for planting seeds through your gift to Global Ministries. With your gift, you walk with international partners in hope, peace, justice, and love.”

To learn more or to support Global Ministries read more here.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:03-05:00May 22, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society Ministry Opportunity: President

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society has a Ministry Opportunity available for President.

The called leader will head this important and fiscally secure General Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) into a bright future of serving the Stone-Campbell Movement and the ecumenical church.

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society, located in Bethany, West Virginia, seeks to call a steward to be our next President. The called person will be given a unique opportunity to serve in continuity within the tradition of extending the ministry of Christ.

The successful candidate will be afforded the opportunity to work in an historic, academic and bucolic setting. The position will be located in a newly refurbished reception area and a newly constructed state-of-the-art archival facility that is contiguous to the Alexander Campbell historic sites and within walking distance of sites honored with the national landmark status.

The ministry, affectionately known as DCHS, embodies the witness of history. We are a society that gathers people into community. The Society is also the trustee of an extensive archival collection and library.

The President serves as a sign of the important gift of history by actively practicing the craft of being an historian while ultimately facilitating and supporting the work of colleagues who are historians of the church, particularly those within the Stone-Campbell family.

For further details read the full job description HERE.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:09-05:00May 15, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Refugee & Immigration Ministries Event-June 3rd at FCC Stillwater

You are invited to attend the Refugee and Immigration Ministries Event, “Saying YES to LOVE, NO to FEAR”, on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 9am at First Christian Church-Stillwater located at 411 W. Mathews in Stillwater. (corner of Duck and Mathews Streets)

The State of Immigration in the US and Oklahoma
The Process of Vetting
Advocacy for Refugees and Immigrants
Resettlement and Sponsorship
Networking in our Community for Action

Refugee and Immigration Ministries equips Disciples to respond to Jesus’ call to welcome the stranger through refugee resettlement, ministering with immigrants, and advocacy. We provide resources for your congregation, legal consultations, and connections to hands-on mission work.

Refugee and Immigration Ministries is a ministry of Disciples Home Missions in Partnership with the Christian Church Capital Area and the Disciples Center for Public Witness.

Featured speaker:

Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea

Director, Refugee and Immigration Ministries

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada

Read Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea’s Bio HERE.

All are invited to attend. We request reservations so that seating and lunch may be provided.

Question? Reservations? Email Nancy Crenshaw at nancy.crenshaw@okstate.edu or First Christian Church 372-7722

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:15-05:00May 11, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

FCC Edmond Summer Sunday School Series

First Christian Church Edmond has, in recent years, had a wonderful tradition of making Summer a season of learning. This summer is no different. Check out FCC Edmond’s Summer Series speakers and their topics! Check back to the website regularly for updates to the series.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:21-05:00May 11, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Stamp Out Starvation at Western Oaks CC on June 10, 2017

Join with friends at Western Oaks Christian Church on June 10th, 2017 from 9am-noon & 1pm-4pm to help “Stamp Out Starvation” (Kids Against Hunger with a new name) package food for folks in need locally and around the world.

Contact Tom Russell by June 3rd, so we know how many are coming. Plan to carpool with friends to Western Oaks Christian Church located at 8100 NW 23rd, Oklahoma City. We have tasks that are done standing and other jobs that can be done sitting. Most anyone can come and help. Gifts of money for food purchases are always needed. You can make your check out to “Stamp out Starvation” and mail to Tom Russell at 5112 NW 20th, Oklahoma City, OK 73137.

To register or for questions call Tom Russell 405.650.3335 or email tomrussell1@cox.net

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:25-05:00May 8, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Green Chalice News – Caring for God’s Creation

Green Chalice would like to teach every congregation how to become a Green Chalice congregation.

The purpose of the Green Chalice Program is to encourage and assist local congregations/DOC Offices and Assemblies who wish to live out their faith by caring for creation. This program is designed to recognize congregations for being good stewards of God’s creation. It also aims to empower congregations/assemblies with ideas and resources to enable them to walk gently on the earth.

The program has two tiers. The first level is to become a Green Chalice Congregation/Assembly. The second level is to become a CERTIFIED Green Chalice Congregation or Assembly.

The following churches are Green Chalice Congregations in Oklahoma.