Congregations Archives - Page 18 of 27 - Christian Church in Oklahoma

Putnam City Christian Church Rejoins the Denomination

The Regional Church welcomes Putnam City Christian Church back into the fold! They have submitted a certified letter to the Regional Church, have signed a Covenant of Agreement, and will be listed in the 2018 Yearbook & Directory. They are in the process of re-branding to reflect their Disciples identity.

Please join with us in welcoming these faithful folks and their ministries in the name of Jesus!

This February, members of Putnam City hosted their annual Valentine’s Dinner! It was a huge success, serving dinner to 72 people. The entertainment was a medley of music provided by harpist, Jill Justice of the Oklahoma City Symphony, and 5 singers.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:40:05-05:00Mar 14, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

Disciples Home Missions: Summer Internship Available

What Are You Doing This Summer?

Disciples Home Missions is thrilled to call on young adults to serve in mission leadership each summer through the summer intern program. Please read the following information carefully; if you feel that a summer internship may be for you, a link to the application is at the bottom of this page.

Are you looking for a faith-filled adventure? Do you imagine a life beyond the mundane, working beyond cultural boundaries, faithfulness beyond the familiar? This may be just what you’re looking for.

Disciples Volunteering seeks applicants for summer internships, to serve with mission partners across the country. With a primary focus on Leadership Development, interns may host volunteer groups in mission settings, face cross-cultural issues, engage diverse groups of people, serve in hands-on mission experiences through the church, provide leadership within a congregational setting, and help church groups make justice connections between the mission site and their home churches.

Each intern can expect individual supervision and opportunities for reflection on personal, spiritual, and social justice issues. Some interns may also earn college or seminary Field Education credit, with theological supervision provided through Disciples Volunteering.

A number of placements are available, perhaps including:

Disciples Volunteering Disaster Response Mission Station
Yakama Christian Mission, White Swan, Washington
Urban Spirit, Louisville, KY
Urban Mission Inn, St. Louis, MO

Preference will be given to members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or the United Church of Christ.

Applicants must be age 20 to 26 (as of Memorial Day) and be available for placement without interruption from late May to mid-August.

Each intern earns a stipend of $2,500, sponsored through DHM and Week of Compassion; lodging and travel are provided.

The application deadline is now rolling and interviews will be scheduled as complete applications are received. Although the deadline has passed, if internships remain unfilled, the process will be extended.

The application form is available HERE. For additional information contact: Intern Coordinator Deb Conrad at (502) 550-1236, Josh Baird at (985) 778-6915, or Brenda Tyler at (317) 713-2642.

As of 3/13/2018 there is one spot remaining open for this program.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:40:18-05:00Mar 13, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

Upcoming Ministry Training Program Courses

There is still time to register for classes for the upcoming Ministry Training Program at Phillips Theological Seminary.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Apr 10: Session 3 Registration Deadline

Apr 30: Session 3 Courses Begin
Jun 5: Session 4 Registration Deadline
Jun 25: Session 4 Courses Begin

Session 3 Course Offerings: April 30-June 24

Theology: Instructor: Dr. Trish Greeves
How do we study and think about the unimaginable complexity we call God? How have our ancestors in the faith considered God and God’s interaction with the world? Students will learn to read and critically evaluate theological texts, and in the process learn to work with different theological approaches, see distinctions and similarities in various traditions, and develop a coherent personal description of the gospel and relate it to Christian life.

The online course is from April 30 to June 24, 2018. The cost of the course is $250.00. Click HERE to register.

Disciples History and Polity: Instructor: Dr. Kenneth Watson
This course is an exploration and analysis of the history, polity and characteristic beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The course will include the origins, development, growth and current status of the Disciples of Christ) and its related groups around the world; discussions of the characteristic beliefs and practices which make the Disciples of Christ a unique part of the universal church while celebrating the Disciples’ ecumenical pilgrimage; and an awareness of how the polity of the Disciples of Christ works.

The online course is from April 30 to June 24, 2018. The cost of the course is $250.00. Click HERE to register.

Worship: Instructor: Rev. Bob Kemp-Baird
Worship is central to the Christian life. This course will focus on the formulation of a theology for worship in the local congregation, an overview of the history and present trends in Christian worship, development of practical skills in planning and implementing weekly and special services of worship, introduction to the rich use of the arts and sacred music in the worship setting and the development of resources which can be used for worship.

The online course is from April 30 to June 24, 2018. The cost of the course is $250.00. Click HERE to register.

Introduction to the New Testament: Instructor: Rev. Margot Trusty Pickett
This course will enhance the students’ understanding and use of the New Testament in their own faith development, and in their teaching, preaching and service to God’s world. Students will pay particular attention to the message of the texts while looking at major themes, textual issues, literary forms, social and cultural context, and other issues and concerns. Students will become better acquainted with the historical, cultural, social, and religious context of the writings; the themes of the Biblical drama centered upon Jesus; and the New Testament’s bearing on current issues and ministry.

The online course is from April 30 to June 24, 2018. The cost of the course is $250.00. Click HERE to register.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:40:25-05:00Mar 13, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

Make a Difference and Get Involved with the DHS CarePortal Program

Rev. Ray Belford, First Christian Church Shawnee, is involved in finding much needed care solutions for children and families in the DHS System. Read about Ray’s experience, and find out how you can get involved as well.

The Department of Human Services CarePortal Program for churches is in place to help provide needs and services to children and families in the DHS system.

There are currently more than 9,000 children in the State of Oklahoma who are in the Department of Human Services custody. Only about half are in foster care. Now there is something that every church can do to help improve the lives of these children.

The DHS has adopted the CarePortal program that has been very successful in other states for helping churches become involved in being a part of the solution. Rev. Ray Belford, first became aware of the magnitude of the foster care needs in our state last April when he attended a Children & Law Conference.

While at the conference, Ray was struck with the reality that most of the homes willing to accept DHS children, only wanted one child, and the foster parents wanted a specific age range. The bottom line was that there was no place that would accept both a 6-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl. The role-play exercises during the conference were eye-opening and heart breaking.

Oklahoma’s extremely high incarceration rate, particularly of women, is a major reason many children end up in DHS care. According to Kris Steele, former speaker of the house in Oklahoma, about 80 percent of the women incarcerated at Mabel Bassett are mothers, with the majority of that group being mothers of small children. In effect, a mother serves time in prison and her children serve time in DHS custody.

The CarePortal is a step toward improving life for these children. The purpose of CarePortal is to provide support services through local churches to children and families in the DHS system.

The CarePortal is an email notification system that forwards needs via email to participating churches. It requires a group of about 20 churches within a community that agree to provide what resources they can to meet specific needs of children and families in their area.

The CarePortal works in this way: A DHS worker becomes aware of a need, and that need is emailed to the member churches that are part of the CarePortal. The church then forwards the request to members of their church to see if anyone can supply what is needed in the request. If the church, or a member of the church, is able to meet the need then the church responds to DHS to fulfill that need.

As soon as the need is met, the other churches in the CarePortal receive an email message that informs them that the need has been met. A simple and powerful process!

A common type of request is the need of a bed. One of the requirements for taking in a foster child is that the foster family must have a separate bed with mattress for the child. If a bed is requested, it is very likely that someone in the CarePortal group has an extra bed that is not being used or is stored in the garage which can be donated, and the need is met.

One of the things the CarePortal advocates is meeting specific needs and discourages providing cash for numerous reasons.

With all the problems that we have in our state, this is one for which churches from all denominations pulling together can certainly make a difference.

Remember, Matthew 25:40 tells us, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. (NRSV).

There is a website for the CarePortal program with step-by-step instructions for participating. The website can be accessed at careportal.org.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:40:32-05:00Mar 13, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

Important Copyright Guidelines for Churches

The Region would like to share a useful document about copyright information. This could be useful to you and your church. It was published by the General Council on Finance and Administration of the UMC.

Click HERE to open the document.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:40:38-05:00Mar 12, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

Soup for the Soul

You are invited to Soup for the Soul, an ecumenical Lenten dinner and discussion held annually at Western Oaks Christian Church.

This year’s theme is focused on the scripture Micah 6:8 with an emphasis on “Justice”. What does it mean to seek justice and how does loving kindness and walking humbly with God influence that pursuit of justice? Western Oaks Christian Church brings in various guest speakers from the area to present their own perspective on a particular topic.

Speakers include Rabbi Vered Harris, Rev. Lori Walke, Dr. John Starkey and Rev. Dr. George Young. We hope that you will join Soup for the Soul, for a bowl of soup and an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on Sundays Feb. 25-March 18^th at 6:00pm.

For more information about this event and to read more about the speakers. Click Soup for the Soul 2018.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:40:49-05:00Mar 12, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Training – March 9, 2018

The Christian Church in the Southwest and Brite Divinity School invite you to attend Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Training facilitated by Sandhya Jha and David Bell.

DATE: Friday, March 9, 2018

TIME: 10 am to 4 pm

WHERE: Bass Conference Center at Brite Divinity School

COST: Registration fee: $20 and includes a light lunch ($10 for Brite students)

WHO: Who should attend? Clergy and laity are welcome! Clergy will receive continuing education credits for this class.

For more information or to register click HERE or call the Christian Church in the Southwest at 817.926.4687

Rev. Sandhya Rani Jha is a respected and inspiring speaker, preacher, workshop leader and a pro-reconciliation/anti-racism trainer with the Christian Church (DoC). Sandhya serves as Director of the Oakland Peace Center, a collective of innovative non-profits working to create justice and peace in the city of Oakland and the Bay Area. She is the author of Pre-Post-Racial America: Spiritual Stories from the Front Lines and Transforming Communities: How People Like You Are Healing Their Neighborhoods.

Rev. David B. Bell is Minister for Indigenous Peoples Concerns at Yakama Christian Mission, Washington, and a pro-reconciliation/anti-racism trainer with the Christian Church (DoC). In the multi-cultural community of the Yakama Reservation, the mission offers a social justice ministry to create opportunities for young people and seeks to change systems outside the reservation through programs which challenge systemic racism.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:41:04-05:00Feb 15, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

Safety & Security: Wildewood CC Offers Free Workshop

Wildewood Christian Church is raising safety awareness by offering free resources for prevention of and response to an active shooter in a House of Worship.

Did you know that violence in houses of worship is on the rise? In the United States we have had 92 deaths and numerous injuries in the past ten years.

Do you know how to create a balance between your mission and crime prevention efforts? A congregation should not worship in fear, nor should the worship experience be altered to the point of distraction with guard dogs, metal detectors, or armed security officers guarding the entrances to the sanctuary.

Do you have a current Emergency Operation Plan for your site? Wildewood Christian Church is offering free resources to teach congregations how to write an Emergency Operation Plan and give examples that will provide an overview of how to be prepared before, during, and after an incident.

The two-hour presentation covers:

What Makes a Secure House of Worship?
Survival Mindset
What you can do to Prevent a Shooting
Historical Perspective of Shooters
Five Stages of a Shooter
Knowing Who’s Who in Your Pew
What’s an Emergency Operation Plan?
Creating a Vulnerability Assessment of Your Site
Are You Ready?

If you are interested in scheduling a presentation at your location, or need more information, contact: Jim McBride Office (405) 425-7589 Cell (405) 823-5729
Email jim.mcbride@okohs.ok.gov

OKLAHOMA OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY
www.homelandsecurity.ok.gov

At Leadership Training School 2018, two additional classes on this topic will be offered. More details to follow soon on the Region’s LTS Website.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:41:18-05:00Feb 12, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

Year Book Forms Are Due March 15, 2018

Year Book and Directory forms are important to maintaining your church’s 501(c)3 tax status with the IRS. Submission Deadline is March 15, 2018. The General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) votes and approves the list of member churches, church agencies and institutions published in the Year Book for submission to the IRS. This assures contributions to your congregation may be properly reported as tax exempt to the IRS.

Choose a Way to Submit:

Online at http://disciples.org/yearbook/ then click on the link under Congregational Reporting for English, Spanish or Korean. To file online you will need your CHURCH PIN # found near the top left corner of your Year Book Form, which was mailed to each church on January 24th. If you need help finding your PIN # please contact the Regional Office for assistance. 405-528-3577.
Email a scanned copy to the Regional Office to be received by March 13th: office@okdisciples.org
Fax a copy to the Regional Office to be received by March 13th: 405-283-1668
Mail the form to the Regional Office to be received by March 13th. Christian Church in Oklahoma, 301 NW 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73118-8661

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:41:32-05:00Feb 7, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off

Ministry Training Program at Phillips Theological Seminary

Don’t miss these courses available at Phillips Theological Seminary beginning January 8, 2018.

The Ministry Training Program at Phillips will continue the work of training persons for local church ministry, providing continuing education, and making ministry training available to a broad audience, including laity.

The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program includes twenty-two online courses that are practical, hands-on learning experiences and encourage engagement with the local church.

This year is full of educational opportunities and we don’t want you to miss the first three courses. Who do you know that would be interested in learning techniques and tools for Evangelism, learning the how, why, and what of the Mission of the Church, or taking a closer look at the Bible?

Please contact Leslie at leslie.lesieur@ptstulsa.edu or 573-808-3579.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:12-05:00Jan 11, 2018|Congregations|Comments Off