CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

Be a part of eliminating racism – Reconciliation Offering 2016

The 2016 Reconciliation Special Offering is used to fund our Church’s mission imperative to become an pro-reconciling and anti-racist church utilizing experiential education, inclusive worship and intentional dialogue. Our efforts to promote healing, relationship and restoration in the whole family of God are enlivened by funds from this offering. The 2016 Reconciliation Offering will be collected in congregations Sept. 25 and Oct 2.

With this offering we are able to provide programs for

leadership development
curriculum for dialogue and learning, and
partnerships within the Church and our communities.

Recent events have reignited the conversation about human brokenness evidenced in the sin of racism and perpetuated in our institutional structures and systems. Your generous giving to Reconciliation Ministry is transforming lives and strengthening Christ’s witness in the world showing that we love one another, even as Christ continues to love us!

Your gift

promotes healing, relationship and restoration in the whole family of God

Why Have a Special Offering?

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has a history dating from the 1960s of sharing our resources to address the racism of our society and the racism within our own church. We have called this process the Reconciliation Ministry.

We receive this offering in the fall and use the funds throughout the year to give grants to the pro-reconciliation/anti-racism initiative to organize to dismantle systems and structures that perpetuate this sin of division within the Church.

The 2020 Vision adopted by our church names this work as one of the four priorities of our mission together as a whole church. This voluntary annual offering is the only source of funding for this ministry.

Learn More

Learn how to be proactive in your congregation with these Reconciliation resources.

Where Does The Reconciliation Offering Go?

The Reconciliation offering is divided in two parts with one half going back to the region from which it was received and one half going to the General Reconciliation Ministry administered by the Reconciliation Ministry Commission made up of volunteers from around our church body.

The regions choose the method of distributing the funds that remain within their own area. These programs vary widely between regions.

The Reconciliation Ministry Commission receives, reviews and allocate funds for grant requests submitted by our general ministries, higher education institutions, regions and recognized ministries of the church whose proposals meet the grant guidelines. Congregational grant requests are to be submitted to their Region for funding.

Donations on behalf of emergency grants on behalf of impacted communities and congregations toward healing for the communities of Ferguson, Staten Island, Charleston, S.C., and Baltimore can be directed to the Reconciliation Annual Fund/Racial Justice Response.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:02:59-06:00Aug 25, 2016|Congregations|Comments Off

Caminante Mission Group Delivers Important Supplies

Six individuals from the Oklahoma Region delivered much needed supplies on a mission trip to Caminante in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic July 29 – August 5, 2016. Caminante is a Global Ministries Partner of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The mission focuses on education and counseling for children, teenagers and adults. It is located in Boca Chica, a beach-resort town with a 30% unemployment rate and significant social problems.

Encouraging Good Health

The group took over 500 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste, two large suitcases filled with clothing, $500 for school supplies, and baseballs. These supplies encourage Caminante’s mission to support the health and well-being of the children and adolescents.
Participants included Robert Hall (First Christian Church Norman), and college students Allison Wenthold (Hillcrest Christian Church, Oklahoma City) and Taylor Anderson (Lifeway Church, Moore), retired minister Don Johnson (Central Christian Church, Enid), hospital chaplain Steve Samples (Enid), and minister Loma Sullivan (Woodlands Christian Church, Ponca City),

Learning Ways to Help Each Other in Mission

The purpose of this 2016 trip was to

See how the mission of Caminante has grown and changed.
Discover how the Oklahoma Region may help Caminante with their mission.
Determine how Caminante could help the Oklahoma Region with our ministries.
Select specific dates for mission trips in 2017.

Don Johnson said they are grateful to Loma Hernandez, coordinator, People- to-People Pilgrimage Program, and Toni Reynolds, the current Global Ministries Intern at Caminante. “They did an excellent job in helping to arrange the trip, in providing lodging and transportation, and showing us the excellent and productive missions of Caminante.”

Plans Underway for Two 2017 Trips

A January or February 2017 trip for 7-9 individuals would deliver dental supplies, clothing, back packs, craft supplies, sporting goods, and money for school supplies.

A July 2017 trip would be focused on a summer camp program. Participants would include 12-14 teens, college students or young adults, and 3 adults. The group would deliver dental supplies, clothing, back packs, craft supplies, sporting goods, and money for school supplies.

Learn More

For more information on the Caminante mission activities please contact Don Johnson at 580-402-2612 or the Regional Office office@okdisciples.org 405-528-3577.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:02:59-06:00Aug 16, 2016|Mission|Comments Off

Disciples Women 2017 Fall Retreats Announced

Oklahoma Disciples Women will meet for their fall retreats at camps across the state.

Texoma Women
Sept. 16-17 • Texoma Christian Camp, Kingston
Contact: Mary Mueller 580-622-3776

NW Area Women
Sept. 30 – Oct 1 • Central Christian Camp, Guthrie
Contact: Rogene Hawkins 419-296-0766 or Sally Wheeler 580-747-4142
Download the Registration and Program Information

NE Area Women
Oct. 7-8 • Camp Christian, Chouteau
Contact: Sonya Vann 918-822-0426

Click here for a full list of Oklahoma Disciples Women officers and area directors.

CCOK3012016-08-15T10:25:15-05:00Aug 10, 2016|Disciples Women|Comments Off

Indigo Girls Headline PhillipsFest Concert Nov. 13

A Concert for Justice and Hope

Phillips Seminary is excited to welcome the Indigo Girls in concert on Sunday, November 13 at 6 pm at Legends Ballroom, downtown Tulsa.

The seminary needs a way to celebrate who we are and introduce ourselves to the wider Tulsa community and PhillipsFest should do just that.

Also on the bill for the evening: Trey Pearson, of Everyday Sunday, and Eric Himan, lead singer of local band, Soundsquatch.

Tickets are on sale now.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:00-06:00Aug 10, 2016|Regional News|Comments Off

Seminar: Toll of Caregiving on Clergy Health

Integris Pastoral Care is conducting a seminar on The Toll of Caregiving on the Health of Clergy and Members of the Helping Professions. The live presentation for clergy and clinical staff will be held Wednesday Aug. 17th from 1:00-2:30 pm at Integris Baptist Medical Center Conf. Rooms J and K. No registration is required for this free program.

Members of the clergy and others in helping professions most often feel a sense of call to their chosen professions. They find their work both gratifying and fulfilling. However, challenges they face in their work can often negatively impact their health – physical, emotional, spiritual, familial, social and financial.

Program participants will gain insight into the current state of clergy health in the United States. They will learn about factors impacting the health of clergy and those in helping professions, as well as ways to prevent the negative impact of serving in a helping profession.

Board certified Chaplain Oran Lee, M.Div., who serves as director of Pastoral Care at Integris Baptist Medical Center will present. Approved CE credits are available for social workers, nurses and therapists.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

CCOK3012016-08-10T15:12:42-05:00Aug 10, 2016|Clergy News|Comments Off

Rev. Barkhauer to Train on Legacy Stewardship & Joyful Giving

Fresh Insights on Sharing God’s Abundance

Lay leaders, laity and clergy are invited to engage with Rev. Bruce Barkhauer for fresh insights on sharing God’s abundance at “The Cup Runneth Over” events. As director of the Center for Faith and Giving, Barkhauer will speak on estate/legacy stewardship in the church and joyful giving. Clergy may receive continuing education credit for the event.

The Center for Faith and Giving exists to create a culture of generosity across the life of the whole church. It provides educational materials and serves as a conduit to teach stewardship as a spiritual discipline. Its mission is to encourage and promote the understanding of stewardship as a faith discipline and life practice in response to a generous God.

Stewardship is about more than money

It is about the faithful management of all of the resources and gifts that come into our lives - care for the earth, care for ourselves, care for the Gospel, observance of Sabbath, and care for our material goods and possessions.

Tulsa, Enid and Oklahoma City Locations

The Oklahoma Disciples Foundation is hosting the inspirational sessions at three locations in September.

September 18, 2016 • 2:30 – 5:00 pm • Tulsa – Harvard Avenue Christian Church

September 19, 2016 • 9:00 am – Noon • Enid – Central Christian Church

September 19, 2016 • 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Dinner Event • Oklahoma City – Jim Thorpe Museum
Reservations required. $40 per person or $300 per table of 8, includes dinner, wine, beer and soft drinks. Meal catered by the Petroleum Club.

Download a poster to promote this event in your congregation.

Registration

For details and registration visit www.okdfdn.org or call Julie Bowers at the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation 405.525.6530

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:00-06:00Aug 10, 2016|Congregations|Comments Off

NYC and DC Destinations for 2017 International Affairs Seminar

Youth will travel to Washington DC and New York City for the 2017 IAS (International Affairs Seminar) March 10-18. The study trip is for youth in grades 11-12.

Who Is My Neighbor? Interfaith Dialogue is a Christian Practice

Students study a topic that is relevant to being a citizen and a person who claims Christian faith. Youth return to their congregations with an informed perspective that can help shape their view of the world and their practice of Christianity.

The week long experience offers opportunity to build friendships with other Disciples youth and sponsors.

Online registration opens August 1 and closes Oct. 1. The trip is limited to 25 youth.

Download a sample itinerary and learn more about the registration costs.

This trip is sponsored by the CYYA Ministries of the Christian Church in Oklahoma. For more information contact Rev. Michael Davison 918.899.8940

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:01-06:00Jul 21, 2016|Youth|Comments Off

Interfaith Youth Tour of OKC Set for Sept. 25

The Oklahoma Conference of Churches will be conducting its 9th annual Interfaith Youth Tour in Oklahoma City on September 25.

The tour will have stops at East Sixth Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Masjid Mu’min, and Vien Giac Buddhist Temple.

Exploring Christianity, Islam and Buddhism

The tour will educate the participants on aspects of Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. It will explore the historically African-American congregations of East Sixth Street Christian Church and Masjid Mu’min.

The $15 registration fee includes transportation and snacks. Youth groups, schools and organizations are welcome.

Learn More>>

Register

CCOK3012019-04-01T13:43:30-05:00Jul 21, 2016|Youth|Comments Off

One lit candle

Sitting in the dark amongst all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I seek words.
But there are none.
Sitting in the dark amongst all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I seek answers.
But there are none.
Sitting in the dark amongst all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I seek Hope.
But it’s not there.
Sitting in the dark amongst all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I seek the face of God.
Where are you?

Then I realize the face of God is everywhere as I see the faces of mothers worried about their sons; as I see the faces of the victims and those who fired the guns; as I see the faces of those who are called to protect; as I see the faces of those who do not know what to do and as I see the faces of our sisters, brothers, and neighbors.

I light one candle and as the flame reaches into the dark of all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I sense a gathering of hope.

Just a small spark until all the faces of God come together to reach out to the Holy.
Just a small spark until all the faces of God come together to say “No More”.
Just a small spark until all the faces of God come together to BE Love, Grace and Hope.

Let it begin with me.

CCOK3012021-06-24T13:39:14-05:00Jul 14, 2016|Regional News|Comments Off

Regional Annual Fund Drive – Every Gift is Welcome

Dear Faithful Friends in Christ,

Thank you for your participation in your congregation as well as your generous contributions to the Annual Fund of the Christian Church in Oklahoma. Your gifts help the Regional Church as it seeks to support and encourage your pastor(s) and connect congregations in mission and ministry.

The Regional Church is asking you to contribute toward the 2016 Annual Fund goal of $130,000. All gifts are welcome, and we believe are blessed and multiplied by God.

Your regional church at work!

We had a very exciting Regional Assembly in April at First Christian Church Tulsa with over 300 adults and youth in attendance. The theme was Festival of Missions, where several inspiring and exciting things happened. Here’s just a few but you can read the whole story here.

The Golf Tournament hosted 6 teams!
Rev. Juan Rodriguez from the Christian Church in Florida reminded us that we are a
“barrier breaking, bridge building” denomination, and Rev. Micah James encouraged us to
remember “why” we do mission.
We literally moved out in mission on Saturday morning and supported nine different organizations: Stamp Out Starvation (20,000+ meals); OK Blood Institute (40+ donors);
FCC Snack Packs (made a month’s worth); Oxley Nature Center (cleared 2.5 miles of trail); Tulsa SPCA (painted and cleaned kennels); Church World Service (assembled 100 hygiene kits); Emergency Infant Services (transitioned clothing); Harvard Avenue Community Garden (weeded and tended to garden needs); Community Food Bank (moved 7,000+ pounds of food).
In closing worship we heard from nine different congregations who each shared their
mission and ministry beyond their doors.

In the area of Youth, the International Affairs Seminar was exceptional with young people and adult sponsors; summer camps have begun and are full to capacity with young people and counselors.

A Regional mission trip to Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, to work with our ministry partner Caminante is scheduled for the end of July. Learn more>>

Reconciliation monies are being disbursed.

A new Regional Board was installed at Regional Assembly, and they will begin their work to vision and plan the future on August 20th at a Regional Board Orientation.

The Region continues to support and care for seminary students and students in the Commissioned Ministry Training Program, and your Regional pastors continue to be present to pastors and congregational life around the region, including providing aid and disaster relief.

Your gift is important

We cannot do any of this without your financial help. Please consider a generous gift to the Regional Church as we continue to be God’s hands and heart in Oklahoma. You may donate securely online here, or send your gift to our office: Christian Church in Oklahoma, 301 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73118.

Peace & God’s grace,

Pamela G. Holt
Regional Minister

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:01-06:00Jul 12, 2016|Regional News|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

Your gift

Why Have a Special Offering?

Learn More

Where Does The Reconciliation Offering Go?

Encouraging Good Health

Learning Ways to Help Each Other in Mission

Plans Underway for Two 2017 Trips

Learn More

A Concert for Justice and Hope

Fresh Insights on Sharing God’s Abundance

Stewardship is about more than money

Tulsa, Enid and Oklahoma City Locations

Registration

Who Is My Neighbor? Interfaith Dialogue is a Christian Practice

Exploring Christianity, Islam and Buddhism

Dear Faithful Friends in Christ,

Your regional church at work!

Your gift is important