CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

FCC Luther – A Christmas Play to Remember

It was a packed house on December 11th at the First Christian Church in Luther for the one and only performance of the play, “A Christmas to Remember” performed by church members, some of whom revealed their considerable acting talents for the first time.

The play was written by Pastor Johnny Melton, the play delivered a spiritual message and a reminder about the importance of community. The script was packed with laughs, and tender moments that brought a tear.

The audience fell in love with the plucky and hard-working “beauty operator” Doris, played by Abby Danielle Mendoza. Her customers Bernice, played by Madison Dae McConnell, and Blanch, played by Donita Mackey, helped tell the story and depicted the usual characters of a sweet small town.

Sweet comic relief came from “the bride” Sasha Renae Wilson who played Patty. Fellow actor Colbey MIchael Alan Chartney affably played two roles of the doctor and Patty’s husband-to-be.

Karley and Scott Fesler were wonderful as the parents of Leslie, their special needs adult daughter who has the gift of seeing the good in people, and rainbows in mud puddles! The role of Leslie was played by Carla Goldsmith. Her authentic portrayal of the beautiful Leslie endeared the audience to the preciousness of having a childlike faith.

Gus Sumner is no bum, even though he played one very well in the show. He also played Santa and shared one of the messages of the play, to give of yourself to bless others.

Andy, played by Chistian Yeager played a good sidekick to Leslie and Kelly Melton “preached” as the guardian angel.

The lighting and set design were very clever using the space provided. This group of actors and crew acted professionally and never missed a cue.

It’s too bad there was only one performance of this show. It was that good. But with every seat filled, and many standing, more than 100 family members, friends and theater lovers enjoyed the Sunday night show.

Pastor Melton said he was so proud of all of the actors and crew. He thanked the crowd for coming, and shared that his dream is to start a community theatre in Luther. With this kind of talent, it could happen.

It is inspiring to see our Youth participating in drama and the arts.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:51:16-05:00Jan 24, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Thank you! Regional Annual Fund 2016

Thank you for your gift to the Annual Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)in Oklahoma.

The Region of Oklahoma is thriving! Your gift helps to sustain vibrant and visionary leadership and support to over 280 pastors and 150 congregations.

Your gift helps provide:

critical resources for congregations in transition and congregations seeking a new pastor
opportunities for clergy to enrich their ministry
strong leadership for the movement of God’s spirit in young people attending camps, CYF Koinonia weekend, mission trips to Oklahoma communities, Jamaica, Heifer International and International Affairs
the opportunity to build a Regional Anti-Racism Pro-Reconciliation Team.

To learn more about the many and varied ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma, I invite you to browse the many news articles on our home page.

Thank you for your generosity!

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:51:21-05:00Jan 23, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Remind and Renew January 25-26, 2017

This year, the faculty of Phillips will help participants think about our times in which Christianity is undergoing the most profound changes in inner and outer expressions since the 16th century.

Here are some of the presentations you will hear at Remind & Renew:

“Why Christianity Needs to Get a Life” from Joseph A. Bessler, PhD
“Christians & Our Lies: Overcoming Supersessionism in Christian Readings of the Hebrew Bible” from the Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison
“Does Christianity Have a Soul?” from Peter Anthony Mena, PhD.

Thank you for your interest in the 2017 Remind & Renew conference.

The Wednesday dinner is SOLD OUT. We are unable to offer further seating for this portion of the conference.

There are a limited number of seats still available for the conference presentations, including the free public lecture on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 7 pm, featuring a panel presentation with all Remind & Renew speakers tackling “95 Theses (or at least 8) for 2017”

Please contact Mary McGilvray at 918.270.6405 for information about attending the conference.

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for the free lecture portion of this event.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:51:25-05:00Jan 23, 2017|Clergy News|Comments Off

CMTP Honors Revs. Brown and Black

Rev. Drs. Jerry Black and Les Brown were honored by the Commissioned Ministers Training Program board for their long time contributions and support of the Commissioned Ministry Training Program. Jerry began organizing this program and Les stepped in to continue leading the program. Both Jerry and Les will continue to teach classes for CMTP.

Rev. Dr. Les Brown

Rev. Dr. Jerry Black

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:51:31-05:00Jan 23, 2017|Clergy News|Comments Off

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

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