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So far Michael Davison has created 188 blog entries.

The Christmas Story by RYC

"Let's go and see this thing which the Lord has made known to us."

Pause for three minutes with Luke 2:1-20, read by members of the Regional Youth Council.  RYC invites you to use their reading in your Christmas Eve worship.  Download it here.

Regional Youth Council Readers

  • Maryanne
  • Derek
  • Leah Grace

Maryanne created a video reading of Luke 2:1-20.  Download it here.

Regional Youth Council Youth

  • Derek (New Covenant Christian Church, Oklahoma City)
  • Jonah (First Christian Church, El Reno)
  • Leah Grace (Forest Park Christian Church, Tulsa)
  • Luke (First Christian Church, Duncan)
  • Maryanne (First Christian Church, Cherokee)

Regional Youth Council Adults

  • Eula (First Christian Church, Norman)
  • Shannon (First Christian Church, Norman)
  • Tara (First Christian Church, El Reno)
  • Travis (First Christian Church, Chickasha)
2024-03-27T16:33:40-05:00Dec 20, 2023|Youth|Comments Off on The Christmas Story by RYC
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Letter from DHM President, Rev. Chris Dorsey: Crisis in Israel/Palestine

October 23, 2023

My heart breaks with the ongoing tragedy in Israel and Gaza. The images on the news, the stories of brutality and retaliation, the collective experiences of grief, loss and trauma have been heart-wrenching and agonizing. May the violence born of hatred be overcome so that we can see the humanity in one another in ways that build justice and celebrate dignity for all.

The long history of conflict in Israel/Palestine is complex and complicated. As we pray for peace and an end to violence, I’d like to share some of the resources that I’ve found helpful in seeking to understand the situation. I share them in the hopes that you and your community of faith might use them to learn about what is happening and engage in ways that build peace and purpose.

Yours in the Journey,

Rev. Chris Dorsey
President and CEO
Disciples Home Missions

RESOURCES

  • Global Ministries: The Crisis in Israel/Palestine
    https://www.globalministries.org/topic/gaza2023/
    Global Ministries has created a page that Includes links to a growing list of statements from mission partners, opportunities to sign-up for weekly prayer sessions, and a full collection of worship resources.
  • Churches for Middle East Peace
    https://cmep.org/
    Churches for Middle East Peace has created recurring spaces for prayer and learning. You can sign up for Weekly Prayers for Peace held on Wednesdays from 12:30PM ET to 1PM ET and register for a Weekly Issues Briefing held on Thursdays from 10AM ET to 10:30AM ET.
  • BBC News: History of the Conflict Explained
    https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396
    BBC News assembled a thorough explainer article on the history of conflict between Israel and Palestine that includes additional links with updating stories on the Israel Gaza War.
  • United Nations: Israel-Gaza Crisis
    https://www.un.org/en/situation-in-occupied-palestine-and-israel
    UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced grave concern over the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza and stressed the need to prevent the violence from spreading. The UN webpage Includes links to statements from the UN as well as continuing news updates.
  • United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: Maps
    https://www.ochaopt.org/maps
    Interactive, information-rich, and highly detailed maps of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank created and curated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. These maps are free and available for fair use.
  • Vox: Israel-Hamas War News & Updates
    https://www.vox.com/2023/10/7/23907683/israel-hamas-war-news-updates-october-2023
    The news site Vox has developed an updating news page for the daily stories that are emerging about the Israel-Hamas war. It contains a dynamic timeline that links “big picture” stories of the ongoing war.
  • Vox: Everything You Need to Know about Israel & Palestine
    https://www.vox.com/2018/11/20/18079996/israel-palestine-conflict-guide-explainer
    An older article (2018) from Vox that breaks down the history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine in a series of 20-different Q&A style articles. It is specific, accessible, and informative.
  • ACLED Fact Sheet: Israel and Palestine Conflict (October 2023)
    https://acleddata.com/2023/10/13/fact-sheet-israel-and-palestine-conflict/
    The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) is a data collection, analysis, and crisis mapping project. ACLED collects information on armed conflicts around the world and makes both data and analysis open for free use by the public.
  • Global Conflict Tracker: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
    https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/israeli-palestinian-conflict
    The Center for Preventative Action has created an explainer article that includes background, concerns, and recent developments in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. The page also aggregates the latest news in a sidebar panel.

2023-11-08T14:21:03-06:00Nov 8, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off on Letter from DHM President, Rev. Chris Dorsey: Crisis in Israel/Palestine
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Reconciliation Special Offering: Sept 24th & Oct 1st

What does it mean to be reconciled?

by Marilynn Knott, Chair: Commission on Faith in Action

The only reference to reconciliation in the Hebrew Bible is in 1 Samuel 29:4, when David was on the outs with King Saul and had joined the Philistines. He had proved himself with the one who had welcomed him to fight for the Philistines, but the Philistine leaders did not trust David and ordered him and his army to be left behind as the Philistines went into battle. The Hebrew word ratsah* translated as reconcile in this scripture, means to be pleased with and accept favorably. The leader of the Philistines could do neither regarding David.  As society spread among many cultures, the need for reconciliation grew. For example, the Apocrypha records six instances when reconciliation was addressed.

Reconcile is only used once in the Gospels in Matthew 5:24: leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. The Greek word used here by Jesus is diallassó, which means change enmity for friendship. In this instance, Jesus is addressing believers. We must take that counsel seriously as faith groups living in a worldview of divide and conquer.  Our behavior is a witness to the validity of the one we follow.

Paul and the other early Christ-followers had to deal with reconciliation as they entered the many cultures around them in following Jesus’s instruction to go into all the world and teach the good news of Christ. Much of that good news targets building the Kingdom of God, the Beloved Community.

Paul also uses various Greek words now translated as reconcile, like katallassó, which means to decisively change, to the same position, and the word apokatallassó, which means to reconcile completely, to change from one feeling to another. While this was 2000 years ago, and we have in many ways since gone into the whole world, we have not yet attained the beloved community worldwide. Thus, the word Reconciliation, and more importantly, the act of Reconciliation, is more necessary today than ever. The words of Paul regarding this issue still resonate today.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) recognizes the last Sunday in September and the First Sunday in October for Reconciliation emphasis. Yes, we suggest that a special offering be taken on those Sundays with the funds dedicated to reconciliation, which is important. We must, however, take time on these Sundays and always consider the challenge we have in bringing the whole world into a Beloved Community. How is your congregation working toward that goal? What special needs can you identify in your community? How do you plan to address them? How can we decisively change racism, poverty, and violence against one another? How can we change enmity for friendship?

*All translations were gleaned from Strong’ Concordance using the NRSV Bible Translation

2023-09-11T11:50:05-05:00Sep 11, 2023|Faith in Action|Comments Off on Reconciliation Special Offering: Sept 24th & Oct 1st
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Get Away Campout

October 19-21

We will take time for “sabbath” and learn a bit about what this kind of time means for each one of us.

Bring your Chi Rho and CYF youth groups for some time away camping.  No really!  Grab a tent, sleeping bag, and let’s get away from screens and school.  Join members of the Regional Youth Council for a 2 night / 3 day campout at Red Rock Adventure Park near Hinton, OK.  Sure, there will be some keynote and worship.  There will also be time to hike, fish, play games, nap, rest, and campfire chat about life as a follower of Jesus.  Come and share your disciples story.

Fee: $30 per person
Includes: Camp Site, Meals, and Program

Our outdoor time begins Oct 19 at 11am with check-in and set up your tent site.

We will break camp and head for home Oct 21 around 11am.

Click here to Register Your Group.  Yes, bring adults (1 per 6 youth)

2023-08-31T13:33:08-05:00Aug 31, 2023|Youth|Comments Off on
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Cancelled Events

Is post-pandemic time busier than pre-pandemic time?  People continue to add activities and events to their personal schedules and family schedules as the rush to “make up” for two years continues.  Two events planned during the Labor Day weekend did not have enough registrations for the Region to go forward with planning and to host.  Family Camp and Intersections are cancelled for this year.

There are many opportunities for you to be involved in the ministry of your local congregation and the Region.  Help your congregation and the Region with your presence, your voice, and vision for the planning of upcoming and future opportunities to connect, equip, and empower Oklahoma Disciples as we love and serve like Jesus.

2023-08-21T09:06:00-05:00Aug 21, 2023|Comm on Laity, Events, Youth|Comments Off on Cancelled Events
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Last Day to Register for Family Camp: August 18

Spend the Labor Day weekend with Disciples from around the Region at Family Camp.  This weekend is designed to introduce Church Camp, and provide time away before the fall school routine takes hold of family life.

Family Camp is an intergenerational experience of play, prayer, study, worship, and service.  Come away and learn about the fruit of the Spirit.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
$100 per adult ages 11 and Up
$75 per child 10 and under

Registration Extended to August 18

2023-08-14T06:24:27-05:00Aug 14, 2023|Youth|Comments Off on Last Day to Register for Family Camp: August 18
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IAS 2024: Church-State Relations

What’s Included in the Fee?

  • RT Airfare & Amtrak Fare

  • Subway, Bus, & Uber/Lyft, Cab Fares

  • Lodging In Washington D.C and New York City

  • Entrance Fees

  • Formal Seminar Days

  • Show at the Kennedy Center

  • Two Broadway Shows

Meals [B/L/D daily] On Travel Days participants pay for one meal.
Participants are also responsible for individual snacks or drinks between meals.

International Affairs Seminar
March 15-23, 2024

It’s an election year. There is no better time to discuss the relationship of participating in a secular society and following the way of Jesus.  How does this show up in our Government’s separation of Church and State (or not)?

IAS is offered to youth in grades 11 and 12.  This study trip focuses on a theme and provides participants with a cohort learning experience visiting Washington D.C. and New York City.  Participants can expect to walk 60-70 total miles during the trip as they traverse the cities visiting museums, Government offices, tourist attractions while learning about the study theme.  Each evening includes a debrief with adults about the experiences of the day.

The trip is limited to 15 youth and a minimum of 10 are needed.  Download the flyer for all the information.  Contact Rev. Michael Davison if you have questions.

Registration Opens August 16

Registration Closes September 29

Click Here to download the Flyer

Cost: $2000 per person

Photos from IAS

2018

2017

What Should I Expect?

Expect to be challenged, to experience information overload, be exhausted, and be energized.

Expect meaningful conversations, laughter, and interesting food.

IAS is a study trip.  Seminar days are primarily classroom experiences with guest speakers that provide information or experiences to teach participants about the topic and prepare them to be a resource for their local congregations.

IAS is a lot of walking! Personal responsibility for your well being, physical and mental, is important to fully experience the trip because it is designed as a group experience.  Like church camp, this trip can create friendships that stay connected into adulthood.

2023-07-27T09:59:07-05:00Jul 27, 2023|Uncategorized, Youth|Comments Off on IAS 2024: Church-State Relations
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SUCCESS!  Church Camp Matching Fund & CYF Charter Bus

Matching Fund

A Matching Fund challenge was created through generous donations from the Northeast Area, and from the close of Midwest Blvd Christian Church to support camp this year. Persons and congregations from around the Region contributed to the matching fund that enabled the Region to discount an additional $71 off the fees for church camp this summer.

Matching Fund Donors
Rev. Joshua Bell
Rev. Geoff Brewster
Rev. Michael & Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison
Regina Dokus
Rev. Julia Jordan Gillett
Eric Gray
Ronald Hadwiger
Kathy Standridge
Linda Sutherlin
Mary Ann Ward
Canadian Co Disciples Congregations
First Christian Church Cherokee
First Christian Church Ponca City
First Christian Church Prague
Oklahoma Disciples Women

CYF Conference Charter Bus Donors

Though generous gifts, the Region is able to provide a charter bus for CYF Conference campers without passing that cost to families and congregations.

Bus Donors
Central Area
Oklahoma Disciples Women
Oklahoma Disciples Foundation Grant
Northwest Area

2023-06-06T09:53:43-05:00Jun 6, 2023|Youth|Comments Off on
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May 15: Last Day to Register for Church Camp

Today is the last day (May 15) to Register for Church Camp.  The Region organizes and sponsors our Outdoor Ministry program (Church Camp) at three different sites.  We offer a camp experience for everyone between grads 2-12, and this Labor Day we will offer our first ever, Family Camp, at Camp Christian.

REGISTRATION CLOSES at 11pm tonight or when a camp is at maximum capacity.  Learn more about our Outdoor Ministry program and see the current camp registration numbers at the Families & Youth webpage.

Questions?  Contact Rev. Michael Davison (mdavison at okdisciples dot org).

READY TO REGISTER?  CLICK HERE

2023-05-15T07:37:26-05:00May 15, 2023|Youth|Comments Off on May 15: Last Day to Register for Church Camp
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Intersections of Faith and Immigration August 31-Sept 5, 2023

The Intersections trip visits New York City this year (Aug 31-Sept 5)

Intersections will focus on immigration, nations, and internationalism.  The traveling scholar this year is Dr. Lisa Barnett, Assistant Professor of American Religious History at Phillips Theological Seminary.  Colton Lott and Tara Dew are the trip leaders.  Both serve at First Christian Church El Reno.

Intersections borrows it’s design from International Affairs Seminar and welcomes adults 21 and older.  Participants can expect education about the topic that will challenge your perspective, and conversations with Disciples from Oklahoma that respects everyone’s point of view.  Intersections is a “co-learners on a journey” trip that is individual and communal.

Intersections is a trip on the move.  Each day will have one educational experience for the entire group with exploring or other options determined by participants.  Intersections includes a lot of walking, traversing stairs, escalators, and elevators.  Ground transportation via the NY Subway and walking are the least expensive ways to travel the city and will be part of the trip.  Ride share services like Lyft, Uber, or cabs are at the participants expense. Breakfast is provided daily at the hotel, while all other meals are at the participants expense.  See below about what is included in the fee.

The Itinerary Includes:

  • Ellis Island
  • Tennament Museum
  • 9/11 Museum
  • United Nations

Fee Includes: Housing (shared room – two beds / or single), Breakfast daily, Itinerary Entrance Fees, some ground transportation, and a Broadway show.  Couples registering for the trip should register one at the single fee, and one for the shared fee.

Shared Room: $1300 pp
Single Room: $1850 pp

Participants cover travel costs to and from New York City and meals except breakfast.

Registration Opens May 15th

Questions?  Contact the Regional Office to be in touch with Rev. Michael Davison or Rev. Colton Lott.

2023-05-15T07:28:41-05:00May 15, 2023|Comm on Laity, Congregations|Comments Off on Intersections of Faith and Immigration August 31-Sept 5, 2023
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Christian Church in Oklahoma (Disciples of Christ)

PO Box 891140
Oklahoma City, OK 73189-1140
Phone 405.528.3577

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

1099 N. Meridian St., #700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone 317.635.3100
www.disciples.org

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