CCOK301, Author at Christian Church in Oklahoma

Worshiping with the Other

I enjoy worship and I enjoy worshiping in different settings within different faith traditions; I even enjoy the diverse music genres.

On Sunday, September 27, 2015, I worshiped with St Jerome’s Episcopal Church in the Brady District of Tulsa. Their bishop as well as representatives from several ecumenical faith traditions was present as we celebrated their 20th year of ministry. It was empowering.

When I was in seminary, a small group of friends and I organized a worship service in the chapel at the University of Tulsa. Our goal was to have everybody use his or her five senses during the service. We burned incense, we felt the textured paper of the bulletins, and we heard music galore. Everything went great until we had to exit the chapel because there was too much incense. We were literally smoked out of the chapel.

Needless to say, St. Jerome’s didn’t have the problem of being smoked out of the sanctuary even though the incense filled the air several times during the worship service. The beautiful liturgy was well written and the music was fantastic. The Bishop, the Priest, the Ordained Deacon, and the ecumenical ministers present were dressed in their robes, stoles, and miters. Even their five lay leaders wore robes. We rejoiced, we sang, we recited liturgy including the Nicene Creed, and we prayed kneeling on portable, cushioned kneelers.

Just when I could not imagine anymore “awesomeness,” the Priest gathered us to share communion. He said, “…this is open to all people….” We heard and recited liturgy and then we went up front – to the railing – to partake in communion. We shared the bread (communion wafers), then we had the option to drink from the cup or have the Deacon share with us through intinction. How wonderful it was to share in the bread and the cup with another faith tradition.

CCOK3012021-06-24T13:39:30-05:00Oct 1, 2015|Faith in Action|1 Comment

Welcome to our new website

Dear Oklahoma Church Family ~

A GLORIOUS good day to you!

The Regional staff is excited to present the Oklahoma Region’s new website. Our mission is to be the portal to visionary and provocative faith in action. Just as Jesus opened the way for us to see life in all its joys and tribulations through God’s eyes, we hope our leadership and this website opens the way for you to see life anew.

As you wander through each page you will see

congregations engaged in mission and ministry
ways to deepen your curiosity with educational opportunities
events to gather with old friends and make new ones
opportunities to join your passion of justice with others
information to explore God’s call upon your life
reflections to pick up the peace of God’s grace.

Perhaps you will discover a new and creative way for your church to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you will realize the difference that Disciples of Christ make all across our Region.

Don’t let me keep you from exploring. Use the dropdown menu. Scroll over the images. Click on the links. Each will take you to a different place! We invite you to wander all around to learn about the many pieces of Regional ministry that come together here.

Thank you for visiting! May God’s blessing continue to be upon you.

Peace & God’s grace,

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:10-06:00Oct 1, 2015|Pamela Holt Blog|1 Comment

Mission First!

What is Mission First?

Mission First! seeks to help Disciples identify the next mission priorities God has for us as we move toward the year 2020 and beyond.

Mission First! addresses the need to find a new shared focus in mission. We are not setting aside pro-reconciliation/anti-racism, new and transforming churches or leadership development.

Gathering Your Input

Disciples will give their input on what’s important in their communities through Mission Gatherings. At the heart of Mission First! are Mission Gatherings in 2016 where all Disciples will be invited to share their congregation’s particular passion within God’s larger mission.

Learn More

Watch the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the State of the Church’s Mission from the 2015 General Assembly.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:10-06:00Oct 1, 2015|Congregations|Comments Off

Reconciliation Speaker to Address Racism on Oct. 4, 2015

Racism’s Impact on Our Most Valuable Resource: Our People

Former State Senator Constance Johnson will speak about “Starting the Dialogue” at an event on October 4, 2015 hosted by Crown Height Christian Church, Oklahoma City.

The roots of racism run deep in our culture. God, through Jesus Christ, can change hearts and minds. What can we do with God’s help to facilitate ending racism today?

Join in fellowship and learning:

October 4, 2015 – 5:00 pm • Potluck Supper Fellowship Hall

Crown Heights Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
4020 N. Western St.
Oklahoma City, OK
(405) 528-5568

Mission: Reconciliation Ministry advances the Christian Church’s (Disciples of Christ) journey toward wholeness by empowering each expression of the Church to implement structural change to address historic fractures caused by racism and the systems that perpetuate it. It is the goal of our shared work to foster life-giving community within our church and in relationship with the whole family of God. We accomplish this mission through intentional dialogue, inclusive worship, and experiential education.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:10-06:00Sep 29, 2015|Congregations|Comments Off

Rev Thelma Chambers-Young Receives Human Rights Award

Rev. Thelma Chambers-Young, received the Human Rights Award on September 18, from the Garfield County Church Women United. The Human Rights Award recognizes individuals who have been working in the field of human rights. Awardees are consistent in their high regard for the dignity of others the list is endless. The Human Rights Award is presented at the annual CWU Human Rights Celebration Day. Rev. Chambers-Young serves as pastor for University Place Christian Church in Enid.

CCOK3012015-09-23T13:53:06-05:00Sep 23, 2015|Clergy News|Comments Off

Choosing A College or University

One characteristic of our denomination is that we value education and life-long learning. There are Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses dotting the countryside of our Nation that were founded long ago and remain related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). These institutions of higher education serve the diversity of humanity, and help students explore their context, become critical thinkers, and, for the curious, sort through the religion of their choice. Within driving distance of our Region are several Disciples related institutions of higher education: Eureka College, Drury University, Jarvis Christian College, Phillips Theological Seminary, Texas Christian University, and Brite Divinity School.

Visit Higher Education & Leadership Ministries [HELM] to learn more.

Rev. Michael Davison, took a group of youth to TCU, Sept 21, for the Monday @ TCU event. This day is sponsored by TCU and provides students (high school juniors and seniors) and their parents the chance to learn about TCU. One of the things you hear at the end of the day is that students need to choose the college or university that is the best fit for them and their education. As your high school senior or junior begins to consider higher education, or if you are thinking about a return to complete your degree or work on a post-graduate degree, make sure a Disciples related College, University, or Seminary is on the list to explore and consider.

CCOK3012015-09-23T13:39:48-05:00Sep 23, 2015|Youth|1 Comment

New Endowment to Support Leave No Child Behind Program

Oklahoma Disciple Men are working thru the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation to establish an endowment fund using the “Million Dollar Matching Fund” program of the Sam and Mary Howard Trust. Oklahoma Disciple Men propose to raise $10,000 in one year.

Leave No Child Behind offers scholarships for children and youth to lower the cost of participating in the Oklahoma Region’s Summer Camping Programs. The proposed endowment will be used to grow and accumulate funds for future use in the Leave No Child Behind program of Oklahoma Disciple Men.

In 2014, 248 youth were assisted at the rate of $40 per child. The goal is to be able to provide scholarships to as many children and youth as our camps can accommodate at 100% of camp cost.

John Gauldin, president of Oklahoma Disciples Men, is happy to visit with churches and individuals interested in participating in the program. Contact him by phone at 405-250-0903 or click here.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:11-06:00Sep 22, 2015|Congregations, Disciples Men|Comments Off

2015 Church Camp Adventures

Excellent. Awesome. Outstanding. Powerful. Our summer camp season powered up during June providing campers and volunteers space for conversations about the spirit of God, connections to others on the journey in faith, and the challenge of following the way of Jesus. Thank you to all the adults (90 folks) that volunteered as counselors and directors this summer. Who was at camp? 388 campers from 51 congregations.

CCOK3012015-09-23T13:00:22-05:00Jul 9, 2015|Youth|Comments Off

Krueger Receives PTS Award

Rev. Aaron Krueger received the Outstanding Achievement in Ministry to a Graduating Senior award from Phillips Theological Seminary. Criteria for this award include the individual’s contribution to the spiritual, social, and professional aspects of the seminary’s community life, the individual’s performance in the actual practice of ministry, the individual’s desire to be involved in full-time Christian service, and a GPA or 3.0 or better. A monetary award as well as a set of communion ware was presented to Aaron. Congratulations!

CCOK3012015-08-28T17:51:52-05:00Jul 9, 2015|Clergy News|Comments Off

Caminante Mission Trip

On April 16, Yvonne Lewis, Mark Clemons and Ed Gore departed for a week long mission trip to Caminante, Dominican Republic (seated Yvonne Lewis, Mark Clemons. L-R Mary Beth Becker, Don Johnson, Ed Gore).

The Disciples of Christ in Oklahoma partners with ‘One Who Walks the Path’, a non-profit organization who helps with children’s education and programs, vocation for young adults, family counseling, and advocacy for child and human rights.

The important work of this mission also includes sharing the good news of Christ. These photos tell the story.

CCOK3012017-01-08T11:03:11-06:00Jul 9, 2015|Mission|Comments Off

CCOK301

About CCOK301

What is Mission First?

Gathering Your Input

Learn More

Racism’s Impact on Our Most Valuable Resource: Our People

Join in fellowship and learning: