Congregations Archives - Page 20 of 27 - Christian Church in Oklahoma

Announcement for Reconciliation Sunday: T-Shirt Design Contest

Hello Church! It is an exciting time for your Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism (PRAR) Task Force. Within the last two weeks we have mailed 460 wildflower seed cards to Oklahoma congregations to raise awareness about this important ministry. We hope you will share them during the Reconciliation Offering on Sunday September 24th and October 1st. As a reminder, 50% of donations to the Reconciliation Offering are returned for Oklahoma reconciliation ministry.

Does your church need more seed cards? Please contact Lori at the Regional Office: email [email protected] or call (918) 872-7807. Request the number of cards needed and Lori will get them right out to you.

Design a T-Shirt. Win a 2018 Camp Scholarship
Our Oklahoma PRAR regional ministry wants to spread the word about our important work. What better way than a T-shirt!

Youth, children and even adults may enter the PRAR T-shirt design contest. Please download the flyer for the design contest rules and submission details. Deadline for entries is Sunday, October 15, 2017, with the winner being announced the week of October 29th. The winner will receive a 2018 camp scholarship courtesy of Rev. Michael Davison.

We can’t wait to see your great designs!

Blessings from your Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Task Force

ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA PRAR TEAM:
The Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Task Force (PRAR) is a Regional ministry of Oklahoma. We are moving towards building a PRAR team from across the Region. Our purpose can be summed up by these words: “We will encourage members of the Body of Christ to be conduits of God’s love among all of God’s children throughout the earth. We will enable justice work addressing reconciliation and defeating racism. We will promote restorative justice.”

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:45:53-05:00Sep 21, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Using the Church Building: Community Ministries Hosted by First Christian Church, Shawnee

First Christian Church, Shawnee is always looking for new ways to use and share their building with the community. Their most recent way to share with the community reminds us that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has always been about unity of all Christians and supports ecumenical efforts to bring Christians together.

Rev. Ray Belford, Senior Pastor at FCC Shawnee and the board members at FCC Shawnee welcomed the Beit Shalom Messianic Congregation, as they started meeting in the library/chapel in July at FCC Shawnee’s building.

The Messianic congregation is led by Rabbi Baruch Hanes and his wife Rebbetzin Shamira Hanes who moved to Shawnee in January 2010, after feeling called by God to plant a Messianic Jewish congregation here.

The small congregation had been meeting in private homes until they were extended an invitation to use the facilities at First Christian Church. As Messianic Jews, the Sabbath is observed on Saturday, and the local group meets at 1 p.m. each week.

Messianic Jews accept Jesus as the promised Messiah revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).

Being Jewish is not a requirement of becoming a part of the Messianic Community. Rabbi Hanes said “We teach those who attend an understanding of the roots of Christianity”.

Rev. Ray Belford, said “Sometimes, we modern-day Christians seem to forget that Jesus was a Jew and that the apostles were Jews. I believe history shows us that the original church was a Messianic Jewish congregation, before the all-inclusive message of Christianity spread to the rest of the world.”

They teach some Hebrew, but learning Hebrew is not necessary for participation. Although Rabbi Hanes and his wife observe the teachings of the Torah (first five books of the Bible) as well as Jewish customs and traditions, it is a choice for members of the congregation.

Rabbi Hanes said, “We believe that it is a choice that individuals should make based on how the Holy Spirit leads them”.

Beit Shalom has begun to experience some growth and are exploring using more of the First Christian building.

Rev. Ray Belford and the FCC Shawnee congregation are continually looking for uses for their large church building which is empty most of the week.

Currently, FCC Shawnee hosts several community events:

local Boomer Bridge group which uses the fellowship hall each Wednesday afternoon
Overeaters Anonymous meets on Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m. in the church parlor
an art group uses the facility for classes
the Sine Nominee community choir rehearsals
meetings of the local police union
a variety of local organizations’ fundraisers
funerals and memorial services for other congregations in need of a larger sanctuary
hosted the Heartland Hospice Annual Memorial Service
hosted the first 18-months of operations of One Safe Place of the Family Justice Center

We recognize FCC Shawnee for using their building to help serve others in the community.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:45:58-05:00Sep 20, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Shepherd Street Christian Church Hosts 5th Annual Back to School Event

Shepherd Street Christian Church in Chickasha hosted its 5th Annual Back to School Event on August 12th and August 14th, supporting over 150 families.

Shepherd Street Christian Church established this Back to School Outreach Event to help parents and children have a positive experience as they begin the new school year. They also want to let the children in the community know that the church cares about their academic and personal success.

Many parents struggle to purchase school supplies, as well as other basic items such as hygiene products and clothing. When students have unmet needs it creates a barrier in the learning process. This year through Shepherd Street Christian Church’s partnership with community members and businesses, they have provided the children and youth of Chickasha and surrounding areas with free back to school haircuts and hair care treatments from qualified barbers and beauticians. They were also able to provide personal hygiene care packages and quality gently used clothing.

In the past the church has hosted a block party with free food, games, and activities designed to bring the entire community together. Due to inclement weather this year, the event was held in doors, but successfully reached over 150 children.

The Region would like to thank Shepherd Street Christian Church for hosting this amazing event.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:46:03-05:00Sep 12, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Crossroads Kids Grief Camp, October 6-8, 2017

Healing for Grieving Children and their Families at “Crossroads Kids” Grief Camp

Crossroads Kids’ weekend camp helps children and families in grief learn, heal, and grow after the death of a loved one.

On the weekend of October 6th – 8th, in Guthrie, OK, Crossroads Kids will host a weekend camp for children and families in grief after the death of a loved one. The 3-day, 2-night grief camp provides children ages 6-12 and their families with a healing environment designed to facilitate communication and provide children with a safe place to experience, share, and understand their grief in order to begin the healing journey.

By incorporating therapeutic activities into a fun camping experience, Crossroads Kids allows children to connect with peers who are also experiencing grief. It is a time for children to share their experiences in a safe place while developing coping skills to take with them when they leave. “Our kids and families are able to not only share their loss with others who are experiencing similar situations but learn coping skills and techniques they can take home with them.” states Jo Carolyn Chambers, LCSW, a licensed master social worker and Oklahoma Crossroads Kids camp director.

To provide the best healing environment for the children and their families, every Crossroads Kids camp is structured as follows:

Every camp maintains a 1:2 ratio of staff to children to ensure ample supervision and support.
All camp activities and therapeutic groups are overseen by credentialed, master’s level social work and psychology staff.

If you are interested in having a child attend one of Crossroads Kids’ weekend grief camps, contact Meredith Fields Lawler at (888) 658-4888, or visit crhcf.org/Crossroads-Kids/ for more information.

About Crossroads Kids: Founded in 2015, Crossroads Kids is an initiative of Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation and is dedicated to honoring the validity of child and family grief by facilitating the healing process. Crossroads Kids has been instrumental in helping children and families across Oklahoma achieve healing after the death of a loved one.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:46:14-05:00Sep 7, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Forest Park Christian Church-Tulsa partners with Family Promise

Forest Park Christian Church in Tulsa became the seventh church, and the first Disciples of Christ Church, in the Tulsa area to sign an agreement with Family Promise, an organization helping homeless families across the nation.

Family Promise is a holistic approach to the crisis of family homelessness. Their programs address the range of issues that affect low-income families. These include direct services, educational curricula, prevention programs and more.

Family Promise uses churches to provide housing and food for families. In order for Family Promise to operate in a city, they need the commitment of 13 churches in the area who are willing to house and feed families from evening through early morning each day for 4 weeks throughout the year. Churches provide volunteers, food and a space for the families to have dinner, engage in family activities such as homework, game time, reading, or watching movies, pack a lunch for the next day, sleep and eat breakfast. During the day, families go to the Family Promise day center where they shower, do laundry, engage in educational curriculum, prepare for job interviews, work on locating housing, etc.

Family Promise has been fulfilling their mission of “helping homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response” since 1986 and to date they assist over 67, 000 people each year across the nation. Due to their “intensive case management and community support, more than 74% of the families they serve find housing in less than nine weeks.”

Forest Park is proud to join Family Promise in an effort to be a part of the solution to family homelessness in Tulsa, and encourages other churches or interested volunteers to consider joining the initiative as well.

For more information on Family Promise, visit their website at FamilyPromise.org.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:46:29-05:00Sep 5, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Education Matters!

Join us as we pray for students and teachers returning to school. We also pray for congregations engaging in new fall ministries.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:46:44-05:00Aug 15, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

First Christian Church Lawton Hosts Summer Intern

First Christian Church Lawton was in the Lawton Constitution news with an inspiring story about their intern Erica Fernandez. Erica is working with Pastor Brandon Johnson at FCC Lawton this summer as well as assisting with the church’s outreach ministries. Read more HERE.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:27-05:00Jul 11, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Farewell – Sharon Watkins DOC Gen. Min. and President

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins offers a final word at the end of her second term as General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Watch the 2-minute video

General Minister and President Sharon Watkins reflects on the past 12 years of the life of the Disciples as she reaches the end of her second term.
Watch the 8-minute video

Please feel free to download and share with members of your congregation.

CCOK3012017-06-28T09:19:04-05:00Jun 28, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

Recent Minister Installations

Join us in congratulating Drew Kirtley, Andy Shelton, and Tyler Whipkey on their installations as ministers at these congregations.

First Christian Church Durant

Andy Shelton was installed May 21, 2017 as pastor at First Christian Church Durant. Music from the Ladies Vocal Scholars and the choir was enjoyed, followed by a wonderful message brought by Rev. Dr. Stephen Sprinkle. Associate Regional Minister, Leslie Dotson performed the Liturgy of Installation for Andy Shelton.

First Christian Church Hennessey

Drew Kirtley was installed on June 11, 2017 as pastor at First Christian Church Hennessey. Associate Regional Minister, Michael Davison performed the Liturgy of Installation for Drew Kirtley.

Bethany Christian Church

Tyler Whipkey was installed on April 30, 2017 as pastor at Bethany Christian Church in Miami, OK. Rev. Kelly Becker offered the sermon. Associate Regional Minister, Leslie Dotson performed the Liturgy of Installation for Tyler Whipkey.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:35-05:00Jun 21, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off

2017 Reconciliation Grants Awarded

Thanks to Local Congregation support of the Reconciliation Offering, the Faith in Action Commission of the Christian Church in Oklahoma awarded the following grants for program implementation in 2017-2018:

Tulsa County DMC Project Sponsoring Entity: the Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center, Tulsa, OK, a National Benevolent Association Partner.

Provide collaborative support in partnership with the Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center for its DMC Project (Tulsa County Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Community and Strategic Planning Demonstration Project) designed to improve relationships between the police and minority juveniles in Tulsa County, Oklahoma and be a model for other communities.

Project Promise, Inc. Sponsoring Church: Wildewood Christian Church (DOC) Oklahoma City, OK.

Partner with Project Promise, Inc. to promote the cross-cultural awareness aspects of its programming which also included instruction in reading and math, character development, various forms of arts, gardening, and positive social interactions. The program is targeted at Oklahoma City youth.

2018 Camp Curriculum Based on Theme: Reconciliation Sponsoring Entity: Children Youth and Young Adult Commission of the Christian Church in Oklahoma, statewide and General Church applicability.

Fund the development of age and educationally appropriate summer camp curriculum designed to address the systemic issues of race, gender, and sexuality utilizing biblical scholars and experienced curriculum writers, for camps held in 2018, which will be available for future use in Oklahoma and made available for purchase by other regions or faith groups

Martin Luther King Holiday Event 2018 Sponsoring Entity: Cameron Campus Ministry, Inc. Lawton, OK of which the Christian Church in Oklahoma is a covenanting member.

Partner in funding the annual Martin Luther King Holiday Event for 2018 designed to support the historical spirit of Civil Rights and social justice ministries. The event includes speakers, student essays, a day of service, a banquet and presentation of an MLK Humanitarian Award. Dr. William Barber is the invited speaker for the 2018 event. Cameron faculty, staff, and students, area churches, and the Fort Sill Army Base are encouraged to participate.

Wellbriety—Medicine Wheel and 12 Step program for Men and Women Sponsoring Entity: Sacred Hoops Native American Ministry Christian Church (DOC) Tulsa, OK.

Fund the creation of Talking Circles designed to initiate trust among Native Americans to help them feel safe and comfortable joining a 12 Step Program.

Interfaith Understanding Program and Disaster Spiritual Care Sponsoring Entity: Oklahoma Conference of Churches of which the Christian Church in Oklahoma is a founding partner and current member, Statewide applicability.

Partner with other faith groups in support of OCC’s Interfaith Understanding Program and interfaith and ecumenical response to disasters through its Disaster Spiritual Care Training and coordination.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:59-05:00Jun 1, 2017|Congregations|Comments Off