CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

Laity and Clergy Events Examine Faith Traditions

“Beyond Coexistence” Series Explores Three Faith Traditions and Prayer

In an effort to understand the prayer traditions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, local religious leaders will share their views of prayer in a series of messages this month at the Restoration Church at the Dome, 3700 N. Walker Ave. Oklahoma City.

Similarities can be acknowledged. Differences can be respected. And a big part of that journey is simply knowing. The “Beyond Coexistence” series looks at three faith traditions and their approach to prayer: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

Senior Imam Imad Enchassi, founder of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, was the guest speaker June 5. The Rev. John Malget, co-pastor at Restoration Church at the Dome, will be the speaker at 10:30 a.m. June 12. Rabbi Vered Harris, spiritual leader of Temple B’nai Israel, will be guest speaker at 10:30 a.m. June 19.

Church leaders said the purpose of the series is to move beyond coexistence in interfaith work and worship to an appreciation of the rich heritage that three of the world’s major faith communities share. It is believed that by sharing the differing but similar approaches to prayer by Muslims, Christians and Jews, a growing ecumenical spirit will be strengthened, they said.

For more information on the interfaith series contact: The Restoration Church at the Dome, (405) 525-6551, 3700 N. Walker Ave. Oklahoma City, OK or visit their Facebook page.

Clergy Discussion Group Sponsored by Western Oaks Christian Church

Clergy are invited to attend a new monthly Clergy Discussion Group, sponsored by Western Oaks Christian Church. This diverse group comes with no agenda but rather a time to gather to enjoy a meal together and converse with one another of various faith backgrounds.

When: Third Wednesday of every month, 12:00-1:00 pm.
Where: Temple B’nai Israel, 4901 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City
Lunch: Contact Western Oaks CC with lunch preferences (405) 789-8812

OTHER NEWS

Oklahoma Gazette Article Features Historical Dome of Restoration Church

Restoration Church at the Dome (a Disciples of Christ congregation), along with the Okie Mod Squad, hosted the first Annual Oklahoma Modernism Weekend May 20-22. Oklahoma Gazette recounted the amazing story of Rev. Bill Alexander’s mission to build the “Church of Tomorrow!”. The architecture of “the Dome” is a Mid-Century Modern Icon, not just in Oklahoma City, but throughout the country. Read the article.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:04-06:00Jun 6, 2016|Congregations|Comments Off

Family Fun at Metro Church

FCC Moore Family Fun Fest – Saturday June 11th

Music takes over First Christian Church in Moore starting at noon June 11, with a free live music festival, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages. This outdoor event will feature performances by The Red Dirt Road Band, Annie Oakley, The 3, and Kyle Reid. Bring your own blankets and chairs to enjoy the family fun festival.

Food trucks appearing include: Mutts Famous Hot Dogs & Burgers 12-2:30 pm, Taste of Soul Chicken & Waffles 3:30-6 pm, and Kona Ice 12-6pm.

Fun Fest runs noon-6 pm at First Christian Church in Moore, 629 NW 12 St. Moore, OK. For more information call (405) 794-6166.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:04-06:00Jun 6, 2016|Congregations|Comments Off

DOC Historical Society Names John Imbler Interim Exec. Dir.

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society has called John M. Imbler as Interim Executive Director, beginning June 13, 2016. Through its relocation from Nashville (TN) and settlement in Bethany (WV) and the restructuring of its organization, Imbler will provide transitional leadership in a deployed capacity.

A multi-generational Disciples of Christ and life member of the Historical Society since 1974, he retired from Phillips Theological Seminary (Tulsa, OK) in 2014 as Stephen J. England Associate Professor of the History of Christianity and Disciples Studies. The seminary board also named him executive vice president emeritus for his 20 plus years’ service in human resources, facilities management, and fiscal oversight. Prior to his ministry as PTS, he served 14 years as vice president for theological education with the Division of Higher Education (now HELM) concluding his final six months as interim president. Imbler has degrees from Butler University, Christian Theological Seminary, and Phillips Theological Seminary plus an honorary degree from Columbia College.

“The Historical Society is very fortunate to have a person of John’s ability and knowledge as its Interim Executive Director. We are looking forward to the new and exciting path the Disciples of Christ Historical Society has begun,” said Archie Jenkins Board Chair.

John Imbler stated “It is indeed an honor to be called to interim leadership of the Historical Society. Now through 75 years of its existence, the Society is well positioned to provide new opportunities for service to the Stone-Campbell people. I am excited to be part of its future.”

September 10 Dedication of New Building

The Historical Society is entering another phase of its own history settling in its new building near the Campbell Mansion. It is feels appropriate that the Society finds itself living on grounds where the Stone-Campbell movement, in part, originated. Dedication and celebration of its new home will be held on September 10, 2016.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:04-06:00Jun 2, 2016|Clergy News|Comments Off

July Mission Trip to Caminante Needs Volunteers

The Oklahoma Region was just notified that we have the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Caminante in the Dominican Republic. This trip will start on July 26, 2016 and end on August 4. This is short notice, but it is a very worthwhile opportunity. We need five more people to make this trip.

Scholarships Available

There are scholarships available, particularly for older teens and young adults. The cost of this trip is $1300 to $1500 depending on air fare. The Oklahoma Region can also help a participant with fund raising for their trip. An older teenager could go on this trip if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This ministry of Caminante is in the seaside city of Boca Chica, a city with 35% unemployment. This mission is operated by the Catholic Church and it provides educational opportunities for children, teenagers and adults that allows them to stay in school and learn the skills for excellent-paying jobs.

If you’re interested contact Don Johnson at 580-402-2612 or Ellen Beer at the Regional Office 405-528-3577.

CCOK3012016-06-02T15:59:02-05:00Jun 2, 2016|Mission|Comments Off

Global Ministry Intern Visits Oklahoma

Oklahoma is very excited to announce that Henry Brewer-Calvert, Global Mission Intern in the Dominican Republic, will be touring the Oklahoma Region June 13 – 30. He will be visiting congregations, clergy groups, women’s groups, and camps to share his experience with our global ministry partner, Caminante in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.

Caminante, “one who walks the path”, is a mission organization working in the city of Boca Chica in the Dominican Republic. Closely aligned with and supported by our denomination’s Division of Overseas Ministries, Caminante provides a variety of vocational and educational ministries to children and youth at risk of being lured into illicit drug and sex trades that are rampant in this growing tourist mecca. Learn more about Oklahoma’s connection to Caminante.

Meet Henry

We invite you to join Henry anywhere along the journey! Henry’s itinerary is now available.

You may read more about Henry and his work through Caminante at Global Ministries.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:05-06:00Jun 2, 2016|Mission|Comments Off

Rev. Jerry Black Retires

First Christian Church Edmond recently celebrated the ministry of Reverend Dr. Jerry Black, who is retiring after eight and a half years of service as an associate minister.

Jerry was also very active in the Regional church, serving on the board in many capacities. We wish him well!

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:05-06:00Jun 2, 2016|Clergy News|Comments Off

Leslie Dotson Enters Season of Sabbatical

Associate Regional Minister Leslie Dotson will be on sabbatical this summer from June 1st through August 31st. She will return to her regular schedule of tending to the Northeast and Southeast areas on September 1st. Leslie will be attending to rest, reflection, and renewal during these three months, some in New Mexico and some in her new home. Please pray for her to experience the Holy in this ordinary time.

In her sabbatical time, both Assoc. Regional Minister Michael Davison and Regional Minister Pam Holt will be serving clergy and congregations in the northeast and southeast areas of our state. They may be reached by cell phones or by e-mail. Lori Heldmann Richcreek will also be available for administrative support to the Northeast Area and can be reached at 918-872-7807.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:05-06:00Jun 2, 2016|Regional News|Comments Off

Region Welcomes Intern Erin Hopkins

Erin Hopkins is working as a summer intern for the Regional office and also with the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation. Erin is a senior mass communications major at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva,Oklahoma. She enjoys creating and listening to music, reading and trying new activities or cuisine.

Erin traveled during high school on the International Affairs Seminar trip to Washington, D.C. and New York. Erin and her family have been involved with church camp in Guthrie for many years, and the church camp in Anadarko for a couple as well. She resides in Fairview, OK where her father, Ronnie Hopkins, holds the pastoral position at Central Christian Church. Erin is excited to learn and grow under the leadership and guidance of these administrative offices serving Oklahoma Disciples.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:05-06:00Jun 2, 2016|Regional News|Comments Off

Meet the 2016-18 Regional Board

Per the bylaws of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma, the nominations for the 2016-18 Regional Board were voted on and approved at the 2016 Regional Assembly, held April 30, 2016. These positions have two (2) year terms. We encourage you to get acquainted with these individuals who volunteer their time and talents to support your Regional ministries.

2016-18 Oklahoma Regional Board

Board Position	Name	Congregation/Ministry Site
Moderator	Rev. Donna Gilchrist	Northwest CC, OKC
Moderator-elect	Pastor Tom Stanley	FCC Cherokee
First Vice Moderator	Cynthia Cope	New Covenant CC, OKC
Second Vice Moderator	Rev. Shannon Speidel	Central Christian, Enid
Secretary – Treasurer	C.D. Payne	FCC Moore
Parliamentarian	Elaine Schuster	Crown Heights CC, OKC
Commission on Clergy	Cheryl Aspy	Southern Hills CC, Edmond
Commission on Children,Youth & Young Adults	Rev. Daniel U’Ren	Western Oaks CC, OKC
Commission on Evangelism	Rev. Andy Campbell	Yale Ave. CC, Tulsa
Commission on Faith in Action	Marilynn Knott	Crown Heights CC, OKC
Commission on Laity	Rev. Aaron Krueger	Crown Heights CC, OKC
Commission on Worship & Spiritual Growth	Rev. Jenny Wynn	Southern Hills CC, Edmond
Personnel Committee	Rev. Don Heath	Trinity CC, Edmond
NW Area Moderator	Rev. Ronnie Hopkins	Fairview CC
SW Area Moderator	Rev. Chuck Pettigrew	Liberty Heights CC, Lawton
SE Area Moderator	Pastor Tim Kowalski	FCC Sulphur
NE Area Moderator	Rev. Kelli Driscoll	Bethany CC, Tulsa
Central Area Moderator	Rev. John Malget	FCC OKC/Restoration Church
Member-at-Large	Sandy Malget	FCC Cherokee
Member-at-Large	Rev. AnDrea Walker-Skye	Cushing Valley Hope, Cushing
Member-at-Large	Rev. Noel Gray	Refuge Fellowship Church, OKC
Member-at-Large	Rev. Christy Moore	Stone Soup Community, Tulsa
Disciples Men President	T.J. McCrite	FCC Ardmore
Disciples Women President	Rev. Loma Sullivan	Woodlands CC, Ponca City

Gender

Women 16
Men 14

Area

NW 4
NE 4
SW 1
SE 3
C 18

Ethnicity

White 26
African American 3
American Indian 1
Hispanic 0
Asian 0

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:05-06:00May 25, 2016|Regional News|Comments Off

Region Celebrates Spring Ordinations

The Oklahoma Region is pleased to announce the recent ordination of five pastors who are serving in ministries in Oklahoma and with the general church.

Rev. Joy Naylor – Pastor at First Christian Church Stigler

The Rev. Dr. Chuck Jackson – Co-director of Seminary Worship at Phillips Theological Seminary and Associate Pastor at South Grand Lake Christian Church, Langley