2017 Standing Forms Available Online
Clergy may download the 2017 Request for Ministerial Standing and submit the form via email, fax or by mailing it to the Disciples Center. Click here for complete details and to download the form.
Ministry During a Mental Health Crisis
The Mental Health Association Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Conference of Churches are sponsoring a two-day seminar where you can learn valuable response tools and resources. This event would be particularly helpful for your ministries that serve higher risk populations.
Ministry During a Mental Health Crisis
October 25-26, 2016
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
127 NW 7th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Day One:
Tuesday, October 25 includes “Mental Health First Aid” in which you will learn skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Registration is limited to 30.
Day Two:
Wednesday, October 26 will provide practical, local information and resources. What is an Emergency Order of Detention? What is the Crisis Intervention Team and how or when do I contact them? What are best practices and resources in responding to suicidality? What special resources are available for those returning from military deployment?
You may attend one or both days. Registration is $12 each day which covers your lunch.
See attached flyer for further details.
Ordination and Commissioning Ceremonies
Join Us in Celebrating Summer Ordinations
Fall Commissioning & Installations
Sondra Ladd’s Ordination took place on October 2, 2016 at First Christian Church Stillwater. Rev. Ladd serves as Associate Minister at FCC Stillwater.
Mark Taylor’s Ordination took place on July 24, 2016 at First Christian Church Edmond. Rev. Taylor services as Youth Minister at FCC Edmond.
Cecilia Tolley’s Ordination took place on June 12, 2016 at Northwest Christian Church, Oklahoma City. Rev. Tolley serves as a chaplain at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Evan Taylor was commissioned and installed September 25, 2016 at East Side Christian Church in Tulsa.
Patrick McKenzie was installed as senior pastor of Village Christian Church, Oklahoma City on October 9, 2016.
Clergy Continuing Education Grants Available
The Office of Christian Vocation announced that the application period for the 2017 Clergy Continuing Education Grants is now open until Oct. 31.
Applications completed by Disciples clergy with standing (Ordained or Commissioned) over the next two months will be considered for awards to be distributed in 2017.
These awards are to help DOC clergy participate in continuing education experiences in 2017 that will enhance their gifts and graces for ministry. You can find out more, and access the application process here.
Rev. Martin Foster Retiring from FCC Perry
On September 25, First Christian in Perry will honor Rev. Martin Foster who will celebrate his last worship as Senior Minister with the congregation prior to retirement. Martin served at First Christian in Perry for fourteen years. Martin looks forward to fishing and time with his wife Paula.
Please join us in thanking Martin for his service by sending your greeting and congratulations to Martin at: fostermartin@sbcglobal.net
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
Northwest Area Synopsis
Each month the Northwest Area ministers and congregations receive a short newsletter emailed with news and information. Click here to read the Northwest Area Synopsis.
Oklahoma Clergy Retreat August 10-11
Oklahoma clergy are invited to spend some time away with colleagues for conversation and rest. It is sponsored by the Northwest Area and is open to all Disciples clergy.
This retreat will be held at Roman Nose State Park, on Highway 8A, 7 miles north of Watonga.
The $125 fee includes 2 meals, housing, and meeting space.
Healthy Boundaries Fall ’16 Schedule
Clergy wishing to fulfill Healthy Boundaries training to meet 2017 Standing requirements have a choice of five fall seminar locations.
- Northwest Area – 9/10/16 (Saturday) FCC Stillwater
- Northwest Area – 9/24/16 (Saturday) FCC Yukon
- Central Area – 9/29/16 (NEW weekday session Thursday) Disciples Center, OKC
- Southwest Area – 10/8/16 (Saturday) FCC Lawton
- Northwest Area – 10/22/16 (Saturday) University Place CC, Enid
Cost: $50 (includes lunch and materials) • 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Class size is limited so register early to reserve your space.
For more information contact the Regional Office at (405) 528-3577.
Find Your Date and Register Online
Picking up the pieces. This time from Orlando.
“We have conquered every distance except one – the distance between human beings.” — Jonathan Henry Sacks, British rabbi, philosopher, and scholar of Judaism
Dear Colleagues,
We are picking up the pieces once again. This time from Orlando. Words are everywhere, but there really are no words that speak enough comfort to the grieving. In the 21st Chapter of Revelation, we have heard many times, “God will be with the people; God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more.” I cannot help but wonder, “Who? Who is wiping the tears from God’s eyes?”
Pastors, you are doing hard work ~
~ tending to your congregations, your people, searching for words of comfort and words of hope amidst such despair and even anger
~ tending to your friends whom you are deeply connected
~ tending to your own family
~ tending to your own soul that cries out with a resounding, “No, not again!” and joins the Psalmist, “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.”
God hears, my friends. God hears.
I am grateful for your work that I know seems endless. I am grateful for your work that is making a difference. I am grateful that God is working with you and through you. Keep bending down to pick up the “peaces” given to us by the Holy Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. May God’s comfort and strength continue to be upon you.
The Rev. Juan Rodriguez, who keynoted Oklahoma’s Regional Assembly, is the Regional Minister for Florida. We offer our prayers for the grace of God at work there. Here is the link to his response to the Orlando crisis.
The Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President, offers these words as well.
Please share these heart-felt words with your people.
Peace & God’s grace,
