Congregations

Engaged on Intersections Trip!

A few years ago, Jeffrey (from FCC Kingfisher) and Olivia (from Del City Christian Church) went on the Region’s International Affairs Seminar to Washington DC and New York City.  Somewhere along the trip, a spark ignited and they began dating.

This year as adults, they chose to attend the Region’s Intersections Trip to Washington DC and New York City.  This year was more than a spark though!  On Wednesday we traveled by train from DC to NYC.  Once we got settled in the hotel, our instructions were to meet in the lobby of the hotel so we could walk together for dinner at John’s Pizzeria and then to the Broadway show, “Kinky Boots”.

As we gathered in the lobby, there was some commotion by Jeffrey. He had pulled something out of his jacket pocket and something else fell on the carpet. Olivia saw it, and asked, “What is that?”

He knelt down on one knee, picked up a beautiful engagement ring, and asked, “Will you marry me?” She said, “Yes!”

It was an exciting and emotional moment for all of us and we certainly celebrated their joy and love the rest of the evening!

Congratulations to Jeffrey and Olivia,
Rev. Pam Holt

2019-03-12T09:49:01-05:00Sep 13, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off on Engaged on Intersections Trip!

Webinar: Financially Resourcing Your Ministry & Mission Presented by Dr. Bruce Barkhauer

Lexington Theological Seminary Hosts a Webinar Series called “Creating Vital Congregations” hosted by Dr. Bruce A. Barkhauer on September 25, 2018 from 12:30pm – 2:30pm.

Participants will come away with a biblical and theological understanding of stewardship as well as planning and programming ideas that are proven to work in congregations just like yours.

Dr. Bruce A. Barkhauer was called as the first Minister for Faith and Giving for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2010, after 25 years of parish ministry. Since that time he has engaged the whole church in conversations about generosity and offered transformative ways for congregations to think about stewardship.

Register HERE.

Need more information? Contact Deena Ainslie at 859-280-1212 or dainslie@lextheo.edu

2019-03-12T09:51:45-05:00Sep 10, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off on Webinar: Financially Resourcing Your Ministry & Mission Presented by Dr. Bruce Barkhauer

RESCHEDULED: Children Worship of Wonder Training

The September 7 – 8, 2018 WOW Training has been rescheduled for October 12 – 13, 2018. Click HERE to register.

Western Oaks Christian Church will host a Children Worship of Wonder (WOW) Training on October 12 – 13, 2018.  This event is sponsored by Disciples Family and Children’s Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and will be led by Rev. Julia Jordan Gillett. The cost of the training is $120.00 per person.

Training in Children Worship & Wonder is based on methods put forth in the book, Young Children and Worship, by Sonja M. Stewart and Jerome W. Berryman. In Children Worship & Wonder Centers, children hear Bible stories and learn about God as they experience the presence of God. The Bible stories are told in a way that allows the listeners to enter into the stories and respond out of their own life experiences. In Children Worship & Wonder the children also learn the meaning of church traditions and have opportunities to participate in worship practices.

For more information call Western Oaks Christian Church at 405-789-8812

2019-03-12T09:51:58-05:00Sep 6, 2018|Congregations|2 Comments

Sept. 19: FCC Stillwater Hosts “Ecumenical Social Justice” Event

On Wednesday, September 19, First Christian Church Stillwater and Stillwater World-Wide welcome Rev. Shannon Fleck, Executive Director of Oklahoma Conference of Churches to host the Ecumenical Social Justice Event for Refugees, Immigrants and Dreamers. To read more about this event click HERE.

For more information contact Cara Beer at 405-624-9549

2019-03-12T09:52:15-05:00Aug 23, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off on Sept. 19: FCC Stillwater Hosts “Ecumenical Social Justice” Event

Oct. 26 – 27: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Workshop at Western Oaks Christian Church

Western Oaks Christian Church (8100 NW 23rd, Oklahoma City, OK) is hosting a two day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshop on
Friday, October 26 & Saturday, October 27, 2018 designed to prepare participants to perform suicide intervention (from recognizing warning signs all the way through safety planning).

The goal of this training is to equip members of our communities with real time skills to recognize, directly ask, and skillfully intervene and assist people, who are having suicidal thoughts and/or plans, to find a “turning point” whereby reason for living is seen, acknowledged, and a plan of safety developed.

It is not a treatment plan or a form of counseling, rather it is an evidence-based model that anyone can use to reduce suicidality and start the conversation toward safety.

Friday October 26: Register 4:30pm / Training 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday October 27: Check-in 8:30am / Training 9:00am – 4:00pm

The tuition is $60 (cost of materials). Some scholarships are available. CEUs are available.

We invite and encourage other churches / organizations throughout the Region to host a two day ASIST workshop or minimally a safeTALK workshop (this half-day training is designed to alleviate the taboo of speaking about suicide; to recognize, directly ask, and refer people with suicidal thoughts to intervention resources).

Contact Cecilia Tolley at 405.513.1334 for further information, registration, or workshop planning.

2019-01-16T12:46:50-06:00Aug 22, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off on Oct. 26 – 27: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Workshop at Western Oaks Christian Church

Sept. 15-16: FCC Edmond Hosts Mindfulness & Contemplative Practice Workshop with Dr. Andy Fort

The Adult Education Team of First Christian Church of Edmond is excited to welcome back Dr. Andy Fort on September 15-16, 2018. Andy will lead us in conversations around mindfulness and contemplative practice.

Andrew O. Fort (Ph. D., University of Pennsylvania) is Professor of Asian Religions (emeritus) and Green Emeritus Tutor at TCU. He has published extensively on aspects of Hindu thought and issues concerning teaching, particularly contemplative pedagogy. He founded TCU’s Contemplative Studies initiative in 2012, and has been on the steering Committee of the Contemplative Studies group at the American Academy of Religion.

Fort has been executive director of the Council of Societies for the Study of Religion and chair of the editorial board of Religious Studies Review. He was president of the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies and received its John. G. Gammie Distinguished Scholar Award.

At TCU, he was longtime faculty chair of its award-winning Hunger Week, has been chair of the Faculty Senate, and has won a number of teaching awards, including Mortarboard’s Top Prof and the Deans’ Award for Teaching. He is currently President of the Board of the Tarrant Area Food Bank. He has been to India numerous times, and has also visited China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.

The schedule of the weekend is as follows:
September 15 (Open to Public)
9:30am – First Presentation: What is mindfulness, and what is its value today?
10:45am – Second Presentation: Contemplative Practice in a Group Setting
Noon – Lunch Break
1:30pm – Contemplative Exercises

September 16 (Open to Public)
10am – Panel Discussion: Contemplative Practices

For more details please contact First Christian Church Edmond at 405.341.3544

2019-03-12T09:52:36-05:00Aug 22, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off on Sept. 15-16: FCC Edmond Hosts Mindfulness & Contemplative Practice Workshop with Dr. Andy Fort

Aug. 26, 2018: Greenwood Cultural Center Presents “Tulsa 21: Black Wall Street” Play

The Greenwood Cultural Center’s newly formed Theater Company cordially invites your congregation to “Tulsa 21” a theatrical presentation of the worst day in history of Tulsa, Oklahoma, The Tulsa Race Massacre.

When: August 26, 2018
Where: Greenwood Cultural Center 322 N. Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 Cash

This is an original theatre production about the history of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, the 1921 Massacre, and the current experiences of Tulsa today as a result of this history. The play weaves the narrative of the historical account of the Massacre with true stories of people who live in Tulsa today. These stories were collected in the summer 2017 and are told by a company of all-black actors living in Tulsa. The historical stories were collected by Mary E. Jones Parrish in 1921 just weeks after the disastrous event. All stories are based on factual archival research found in newspapers, TU, and OSU-Tulsa.

The play is written and directed by Tara Brooke Watkins, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma currently working on a Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.

All the actors and actresses are Tulsa residence. Please announce this play to your congregations and encourage attendance.

2019-03-12T09:52:41-05:00Aug 20, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off on Aug. 26, 2018: Greenwood Cultural Center Presents “Tulsa 21: Black Wall Street” Play

Educational Resources For Sale

FCC Shawnee is selling some of their church educational resources. They are looking for a new home for 5 octaves of hand bells, including the cases, the table for the bells, gloves, and music.

FCC Shawnee is also looking for a new home for 9 “Muppet” style puppets that have been in storage for about 15 years. Looking to start a “Puppet Ministry” for children? Contact Rev. Ray Belford to discuss. raybelford@hotmail.com (405) 275-1519

2019-03-12T09:53:16-05:00Aug 14, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off on Educational Resources For Sale

Back to School Community Outreach Events

As we gear up for the new school year, the churches around the Region have been supporting their communities with amazing Back to School Events. The Regional Office would like to thank each of these churches for touching so many families with their outreach ministries!

Let’s all be in pray together for our students, parents, caregivers, teachers, administrators, and loved ones as we kick off a new school year!

First Christian Church Thomas hosted 300-400 people at their 5th Annual Back to School Bash on August 10. This outreach was for the Thomas-Fay-Custer Unified School Communities. FCC Thomas filled their North parking areas with inflatable rides, bouncy houses, and games. They provided hot dogs and homemade ice cream. Each child also received a t-shirt. This event is always free to the public. Thomas FCC members volunteer every year to work this celebration for the community’s children.

On August 19th, In the Spirit Christian Church, will provide prayer, haircuts/hair styles, food and giveaways to the community.

First Christian Church Guthrie debuted their new “All In” theme and participated in several community wide events in August. The “Frisbee Toss” booth at Guthrie Summer Streets took place on August 12.

On August 19 FCC Guthrie will host a community wide “Back to School” movie “Minion’s 3” in the sanctuary at 3pm featuring a snack and craft time. Following the movie, families can make their way to Highland Park, where FCC is joining the Guthrie Ministerial Alliance’s community wide picnic from 5-7 p.m. The pool will be open and free food served including catfish, hot dogs, chips, desserts and drinks.

First Christian Church Stillwater provided a $500 donation to Altrusa International in Stillwater to sponsor the “Backpack  Buddies” event.  1,000 backpacks were distributed to youth in Payne County through those efforts.  We can accomplish so much when we join together in our efforts!

Shepherd Street Christian Church hosted its 6th Annual Community Back to School Outreach Event on August 11th from 11am – 3pm reaching around 150 youth. This event is open to the Chickasha community and surrounding areas to help parents and children have a positive experience to begin the school year. The church provided basic hygiene products, clothing, free haircuts and hair styles. The church partnered with Oklahoma Caring Van and Chickasha Clinic Pharmacy to provide vitamins and free immunizations.

First Christian Church Hennessey hosted an opportunity for children and youth to get free school supplies. On July 29, the congregation welcomed nearly 300 participants to their fellowship hall.

Central Christian Church Enid distributed over 700 pairs of shoes at church on Sunday and Monday evening in conjunction with Enid’s “Feed the Neighborhood” program.  Throughout the school year the church works with school guidance counselors in the community and sends shoes to the schools where there is a need.

First Christian Church Edmond provided backpacks, pencils, crayons, markers, glue, paper, notebooks, etc  and filled over 40 backpacks for residents of the Rolling Green Apartments, along with families from the FCC Edmond Child Care Center and Church. With the additional donations provided, the church was able to give extra school supplies to nine schools in our Edmond community, plus, to the Anna’s House Foundation, Refuge Fellowship Church, and our own Children’s Ministry. Your generosity was overwhelming and made the beginning of the school year special for many!

2019-03-12T09:53:28-05:00Aug 13, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off on Back to School Community Outreach Events

June 29 – Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center 2018 Annual Dinner

The Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center will host its Annual Dinner and Awards Program on June 29, 2018 at 7pm at Yale Avenue Christian Church located at 3616 S. Yale Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74135. Read more about the event HERE.

Click HERE to become a sponsor or register to attend.

2019-03-12T09:53:54-05:00Jul 11, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off on June 29 – Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center 2018 Annual Dinner
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