Congregations Archives - Christian Church in Oklahoma

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.

Michael Davison2023-11-08T14:21:03-06:00Nov 8, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off

Empower & Equip 2023

Preparing Leaders for Today’s Church

Empower & Equip is a one-day leadership development conference for Oklahoma Disciples provided by your Oklahoma Regional Church.

This in-person event is Saturday, October 14th at New Covenant Christian Church, Oklahoma City.

You’ll find Best Practices workshops on vital ministry topics for elders, deacons, board members, youth and lay leaders. Reserve Your Space Today!

Enjoy an uplifting worship experience with guest preacher Pastor Milton Bowens of Shepherd Street Christian Church, Chickasha.

Register and find all the details HERE!

CCOK3012023-10-03T12:29:20-05:00Oct 3, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off

Help Us Honor Clergy in October!

October is National Clergy Appreciation Month, a time set aside to recognize the contributions and service of pastors, priests, reverends, ministers, and all other clergy members. Pastors and their families live under incredible pressures. Their lives are played out in a fishbowl, with the entire congregation and community watching their every move. The good news is that we can make a difference.

The call to honor our church leaders’ contributions can be traced back to Paul. In establishing the first Christian churches, Paul advised the congregation to give “double honor” to the elders of the church who managed the affairs of the church well, “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

Given everything that our clergy do, we should take time to appreciate and encourage them and their staff members. These men and women can be celebrated in a variety of ways, through personal notes or gifts, a planned festive event, or just a simple thank you!

Here are seven ways to show your gratitude for their service and sacrifice:

Send your pastor a greeting card or a handwritten note with a message of gratitude for him or her
Ask your children to draw a picture or create other artwork for your pastor or Sunday school leader.
Volunteer to assist your pastor at a favorite ministry or charity organization, such as a hospital or nursing home.
Take a group photo with fellow churchgoers in front of the church or other organization where the clergy member works. Present the photo as an already-framed gift.
Give your religious leader a “thank you basket” filled with his or her favorite brand of coffee or pop, favorite snack, or hard-to-find allergy-friendly food items.
Create a photo calendar with a picture of saints or inspiring Bible passages for each month of the year.
Request contributions from your congregation to update your clergy member’s office with ergonomic chairs and keyboards, new software, new artwork, or other furnishings.

Pastor Appreciation Month is one way we can counter the negative erosion in the lives of our spiritual leaders with the positive affirmation they need. We will likely never know the full extent of discouragement our leadership feels at any given time — but our encouragement could be incredibly impactful.

So in October, remember to take a moment and show your church leadership how much you appreciate all they do!

Peace & God’s Grace,

CCOK3012023-10-03T12:17:26-05:00Oct 3, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off

Local Event: The Threat of White Christian Nationalism

Edmond Trinity Christian Church Hosts Event

The Threat of White Christian Nationalism

July 21-22, 2023 • Free Admission • No Registration Required
Edmond Trinity Christian Church, 1400 NW 178th St., Edmond, OK 73012

Getting Our Facts Straight: What Is (And Isn’t) White Christian Nationalism

Friday, July 21, 7:00 pm

Dr. Samuel L. Perry, Asst. Professor of Sociology & Religious Studies, Univ. of Oklahoma.
Co-Author, The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy

The Rebirth of the Oklahoma Ku Klux Klan in the 1920’s

Saturday, July 22, 9:30 am

Rev. Dr. Lisa Barnett, Asst. Professor of American Religious History, Phillips Theological Seminary
Will lecture on her research on the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan in Oklahoma in the 1920’s and its infusion of patriotism and religion.

Panel Discussion on White Christian Nationalism in Oklahoma Today

Saturday, July 22, 11:00 am

Panelists:

Black Lives Matter OKC, Sheri Dickerson
CAIR Oklahoma, Veronica Laisure
Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, Adam Brooks

For more information contact Rev. Don Heath (405) 823-8511 or disciples@edmondtrinity.org.

Download a flyer

CCOK3012023-07-11T15:32:37-05:00Jul 5, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off

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.

Michael Davison2023-05-15T07:28:41-05:00May 15, 2023|Comm on Laity, Congregations|Comments Off

6 Congregations Receive Reconciliation Grants

Reconciliation-logo_color

Reconcile:
1. to restore, settle, or resolve;
2. to make consistent.(1)

Oklahoma Disciples continue the work of reconciliation through serving our neighbors locally and around the world. The Commission for Faith in Action met in April to review Reconciliation Grant applications for this year. Faith in Action celebrates providing a total of $9150 in grants to these congregations that applied.

Enid, Central Christina Church ($3400)

Enid Welcome Table is a weekly ministry that provides a sit down, served meal on Sunday evenings for food insecure neighbors in Enid.
Community Hero Project supports the police, fire fighters, and student pilots at Vance Air Force Base with snack baskets. The project invites police and fire fighters to interact with congregations and the community outside of emergency situations to build trust.
Teen Neurotypical and non-Neurotypical Integration/Socialization will partner teenagers to help the typical teen grow in understanding and acceptance of the non-typical. The non-typical will gain friendship, socialization, and understanding of their community. With the help of adults this program will raise awareness in the community about the needs of non-Neurotypical youth and that Central Christian Church is a welcoming place for everyone.

Enid, Christian Church of the Covenant, Iglesia Christiana El Shaddai, University Place Christian Church, Central Christian Church ($1000)

VBS is one of the most important projects in the life of the church each year. Many churches are struggling with having enough volunteers to provide a great quality VBS. In 2022, Disciples in Enid hosted a joint VBS that welcomed 60 children and 40 adult volunteers. A reconciliation grant supported this work. This summer, First Presbyterian Church will join the VBS program. The membership and location of the participating churches is very diverse. University Place Christian is in the east side of Enid – a low-income area with a large African American and Hispanic population. First Presbyterian is a typical, affluent “downtown church.” Iglesia Cristiana El Shaddai, is a Hispanic church, Central Christian Church and Christian Church of the Covenant are “middle-American” churches experiencing demographic change. Bringing together children, teenagers and adult volunteers from these diverse churches will promote understanding and acceptance and inclusion.

Midwest City, First Christian Church ($2000)

The congregation participates in careportal.org, a care-sharing portal connecting people with local opportunities to serve vulnerable children and families in their communities. It may be rental assistance, transportation assistance, dollars for diapers, clothing, or formula.

Stillwater, First Christian Church ($2000)

First Christian Church has worked with ACE (American-Caribbean Experience) in Jamaica for many years. This year, they are expanding the trip and hosting other congregations (FCC Chandler, FCC El Reno, Central CC Enid, FCC Luther, and Eagle Heights). and have a group of 50 going on the trip. Groups will work on a variety of projects including tutoring, child sponsorships, VBS, micro-businesses, health and wellness clinics, farming and construction. Last year one of the little girls at VBS told a member of our mission team “I thought white people were all bad, but you are very kind and loving. I hope you’ll come back again.”

Caminante, a minister supported by the Commission on Faith in Action ($750)

Caminante is an ongoing mission priority for the Commission for Faith in Action and the Region. Funding helps support work with local children and adults to learn skills that can help secure jobs in the tourist industry. In the past, the Region helped build “homework rooms” that provided space and leaders to help children with their studies. Covid ceased yearly trips by Oklahoma Disciples, but with as the pandemic ends and an intern from our partners at Global Ministries is in place, yearly trips may begin again.

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1. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “reconcile,” accessed May 8, 2023, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconcile.

Michael Davison2023-05-08T10:26:56-05:00May 8, 2023|Congregations, Faith in Action, Uncategorized|Comments Off

2023 Pentecost Offering

In the beginning, Jesus sent out disciples, two by two, not to “plant” churches, but to proclaim good news, to experience the hospitality and wisdom of neighbors all around.   At New Church Ministry, we believe God is calling the whole Church back to becoming new . . . back to becoming who we are: a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.

Your gifts to the 2023 Pentecost Offering, received this year in most congregations on Sundays, May 21 and 28, help ensure our movement continues to embody the Disciples of Christ vision: to be and to share the Good News, witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.

Half of your gift supports the local new church movement through your region’s ministry. The other half supports New Church Ministry efforts across the United States and Canada to equip, train, and empower new leaders.

So, thank you. For participating in the new thing God is still doing — just as in the beginning.

CCOK3012023-05-01T16:01:22-05:00May 1, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off

2023 Easter Special Offering

The Easter Offering supports General Ministries of the Church. General ministries serve across the United States and Canada, and around the world including the following:

Center for Faith and Giving
Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries (Obra Hispana)
Communication Ministries
Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry
Disciples of Christ Historical Society
Disciples Home Missions
Disciples Women
Division of Overseas Ministries (Global Ministries)
Higher Education and Leadership Ministries
National Benevolent Association
National Convocation
New Church Ministry
North American Pacific / Asian Disciples
Office of the General Minister and President
Treasury Services

General Ministries also partner in ministry with a variety of far-reaching and unique organizations. Congregations collect this special offering April 2 & 9, 2023. You may donate online here.

CCOK3012023-03-02T14:25:21-06:00Mar 2, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off

2023 Week of Compassion Offering

Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.

Offering Collected February 19 – 26, 2023

Please give generously at your congregation or online at Week of Compassion.

“Yet it is because I remember all this
that I have hope
YHWH’s favor is not exhausted
nor has God’s compassion failed.
They RISE UP ANEW each morning,
so great is God’s faithfulness.”
(Lamentations 3:12-13, The Inclusive Bible)

CCOK3012023-02-01T16:26:50-06:00Feb 1, 2023|Congregations|Comments Off

Pentecost Sunday Celebrations

By Regional Minister Pamela Holt

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place . . .

Pentecost was an exciting Sunday in Oklahoma. Michael and I noticed and participated in many congregations across our region celebrating the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. We are grateful to see such renewed energy and spirit among Oklahoma Disciples.

On the morning of Pentecost Sunday, I had the honor and privilege of worshiping at Broken Arrow First Christian Church. It was particularly moving because on this Sunday, four congregations became one family, and we installed Rev. Shane Hickey as the minister.

You remember that Rev. Glenn Davis died at the end of 2021 which left Broken Arrow First without a minister. Broken Arrow Fellowship sold their building to the school district, and they agreed to merge with Broken Arrow FCC. Owasso Disciples had already begun to worship with BA Fellowship so they came along too, also selling their building. And New Life Fellowship Christian Church is an Ethiopian congregation nesting in Broken Arrow FCC. These four congregations made a covenant to unite as the family of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Here’s the litany:

Leader: On this day of Pentecost we celebrate the Spirit of God being poured out on us.
All: We are also here today to celebrate the coming together of our brothers and sisters in Christ to become one family.
Leader: Into this family comes First Christian Church, Fellowship Christian, Disciples Owasso and New Life Fellowship.
All: We have all come together to worship God, to work to fulfill the ministry of Jesus Christ and to empower not only each other with the Holy Spirit, but empower all who enter these doors to be the church we are called to be. We are all now the family of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the one, whole body of Christ forever! Amen.

Near the communion table was a small table adorned with four taper candles and a unity candle. At the end of the litany above, a representative of each congregation came and together each lit the unity candle symbolizing the covenant of love and serving together. Following this covenant, we installed Rev. Shane Hickey as the pastor of Broken Arrow First Christian Church. It was a moving and memorable morning.

On the evening of Pentecost Sunday, I traveled from Broken Arrow over to Mustang for another moving and memorable fellowship dinner and worship experience. Three of the four congregations in Canadian County came together for a Pentecost gathering: El Reno FCC, Yukon West Point, and Mustang FCC. With joy, these Disciples gathered for a meal and conversation and then gathered in the sanctuary for singing and preaching. Rev. Dr. Lisa Barnett preached a wonderful sermon on the Holy Spirit’s presence in the early years of Disciples at Cane Ridge. The offering collected was designated to treat our summer camp counselors.

. . . They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Pentecost was a good Sunday! May the Spirit continue to be upon us all.

Regional Minister Rev. Pamela Holt installing Rev. Shane Hickey at First Christian Church Broken Arrow.

Shane-Hickey-installation-06-05-22-candles

(pictured l-r) Pastor Lisa Wynn, West Point; Regional Minister Rev. Pamela Holt; Rev. Colton Lott, FCC El Reno, speaker Rev. Dr. Lisa Barnett, Phillips Seminary; and Pastor Randy Martin, Mustang CC.

CCOK3012022-06-14T08:55:11-05:00Jun 13, 2022|Congregations, Pamela Holt Blog|Comments Off

Congregations

RESOURCES

Preparing Leaders for Today’s Church

Edmond Trinity Christian Church Hosts Event

The Threat of White Christian Nationalism

Getting Our Facts Straight: What Is (And Isn’t) White Christian Nationalism

The Rebirth of the Oklahoma Ku Klux Klan in the 1920’s

Panel Discussion on White Christian Nationalism in Oklahoma Today

Reconcile: 1. to restore, settle, or resolve; 2. to make consistent.(1)

Enid, Central Christina Church ($3400)

Enid, Christian Church of the Covenant, Iglesia Christiana El Shaddai, University Place Christian Church, Central Christian Church ($1000)

Midwest City, First Christian Church ($2000)

Stillwater, First Christian Church ($2000)

Caminante, a minister supported by the Commission on Faith in Action ($750)

By Regional Minister Pamela Holt

Reconcile:
1. to restore, settle, or resolve;
2. to make consistent.(1)