Following close of registration last week, numbers for the Fall Empower & Equip Event in Tulsa were reviewed and the leadership team determined they were too low to proceed.
NEXT OPPORTUNITY . . . Put March 1, 2025 on your calendar when the SPRING EMPOWER & EQUIP is scheduled to happen in El Reno. Workshops have not yet been identified for that one though it will likely include some of the same ones. Look for news in the New Year!
From July 24-27, 2024 Randy Kuss, Interim Regional Minister and Jesse Jackson, Regional Moderator-Elect traveled to Washington, PA and Bethany, WV to the College of Regional Ministers and Forum of Regional Moderators to attend “A Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites”. The experience was hosted by the Rev. Thaddaeus Allen, Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church in West Virginia, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pennsylvania, and the Northeastern Regions.
I had visited Cane Ridge in Kentucky several years ago, the ministry site of founder Barton W. Stone, but this was my first time in “Campbell country.” And the shadow of the shared legacies of Thomas and Alexander Campbell continues to loom large. On that first night, after dinner, we visited the historical marker that marks the spot where Thomas Campbell wrote “The Declaration and Address,” one of the Restoration Movements foundational documents.
The following day is when we truly began to walk in Alexander Campbell’s shadow. We visited Bethany College, founded by Campbell. Our additional stops were the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, the Campbell Mansion, and God’s Acre Cemetery, where both Thomas and Alexander Campbell, as well as many other Disciple leaders are buried.
At the Historical Society we were greeted by Dr. Joel A. Brown, president of the Historical Society, and staff members who would lead our tours. The Historical Society is a fascinating place and a treasure trove for researchers and history buffs alike. We discussed the “kinds” of things that they were interested in preserving there, versus things that should be preserved in congregations. The message was to have a conversation with them, before just packing up your congregations’ old documents and sending them in boxes. I did notice a bit of Oklahoma on the wall, the incorporation certificate and picture of the Pennsylvania Ave. Christian Church in Oklahoma City.
Additionally, there is also a Disciples Oral History Project that seeks to record personal narratives of congregational members and leaders that add a layer to the story of who we are as Disciples. Along with the terrific books that you can order online, there are also baseball cards of historic Disciples figures like Dale Fiers, President James Garfield, Sarah Lue Bostick, and Preston Taylor for sale.
The guided tour took us through the Campbell Mansion, its history, including famous visitors, and the ownership transfer from his father-in-law to Campbell and his descendants and finally the church. But the mansion also has the original headstone of Thomas Campbell, which had been stolen and recovered years later. The homestead was even complete with a one room schoolhouse from the 1800’s.
We then visited “God’s Acre Cemetery” and witnessed the final resting place of both Thomas and Alexander Campbell and many family members and well as Disciples leaders and faculty from Bethany College. And that was before lunch!
After lunch was easily the most challenging part of the trip, climbing the many steps to get from the cafeteria to “Old Main,” which housed Mr. Campbell’s classroom. This beautiful edifice is a splendid example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture. I am sure that Bethany College students have little problems with the many steps and the steep inclines and declines of the Alleghany Mountains, but it has been a while since I was a college student.
We were joined on this day by our General Minister and President the Rev. Dr. Terri Hord Owens and the President of Disciples Home Missions the Rev. Dr. Chris Dorsey. After Dr. Hord Owens addressed the combined group in Alexander Campbell’s classroom, the Regional Moderators separated for our own meeting.
We next made our way down the steps from “Old Main,” past the cafeteria and down the mountain to the “Old Meetinghouse” where Alexander Campbell preached. Walking into that building was more than walking into history, I was walking into nostalgia. The “Meetinghouse” had wood floors, windows (that opened), wood burning, or as we called them in Mississippi, “pot bellied stoves” and unless it was freezing, the doors of the building were left wide open. My father once served a congregation terribly similar to that in rural Mississippi when I was a child, and it brought back wonderful memories.
This was an opportunity to walk in the physical shadow of Campbell, but Chris Dorsey introduced us to the intellectual and advocacy legacy of Alexander Campbell. As mentioned before, Dorsey is the President of Disciples Home Missions, whose founder is Alexander Campbell. Campbell believed that the goal of education was to “eradicate ignorance.” That is why he founded Bethany College. But he also believed that the mission of the church was to “share the love of God and transform the world.” That means that the church must be active in social engagement and advocate for the oppressed and marginalized. We talked about the many ways that DHM meets everyday needs of individuals and congregations. I invite you to explore Disciples.org to learn exactly who we are as a church and what we do.
Church visionaries realized early on that if we were going to transform the world, then we needed social engagement. Mission, advocacy, and programs became a priority as they engaged society through Christian Education, youth programs, laity, and mission work.
We ended with a dose of realism. Each congregation is different, and we have different calls. Dorsey said that “Some of our churches will never grow beyond the number they have now” (in terms of attendance). But numbers have nothing to do with vitality or impact. Impact is what God requires and what the world needs.
The Oklahoma Region is beginning the search for its next Regional Minister, and the Search Committee wants to hear from you.
Sessions are available statewide, PLUS we’re offering an open Zoom session for anyone unable to attend in person.
Please RSVP your attendance so we may plan adequate seating and refreshments.
ENID
Aug. 24, 2024
10:00 am
Central Christian Church
1111 W. Broadway Ave.
Enid, OK 73703
LAWTON
Sept. 14, 2024
1:00 pm
First Christian Church
701 SW D Ave.
Lawton, OK 73501
TULSA
Sept. 21, 2024
10:00 am
Harvard Ave. Christian Church
5502 S. Harvard Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74135
OKLAHOMA CITY
Sept. 28, 2024
10:00 am
Crown Heights Christian Church
4020 N Western Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Sept. 28, 2024
2:00 pm
Wildewood Christian Church
6900 N. Kelly
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
PAULS VALLEY
Oct. 5, 2024
1:00 pm
First Christian Church
300 N Ash St.
Pauls Valley, OK 73075
As an optional way to provide your feedback we are offering this survey.
The question of meeting Jesus anywhere. I feel like I have met him often as I’ve gone about my daily life. For me, it’s not a question of “will I?” It’s a question of “when.”
The power of baptism in helping people feel welcomed and included.
Doing ministry in the Word, so many sermons and teaching in the Word.
Watching the sun rise from the deck of the ship over the vastness of the water.
Overlooking the ocean, unable to see anything but water. The expanse of God mirrored in nature!
The great fellowship and bonding we had and learning things about people I never knew.
We are thankful for the words and presence of Rev. Allen Harris, Regional Minister of the Christian Church in Ohio, who offered our keynotes and sermons.
We thank our Disciples siblings in faith in Ohio for gifting Oklahoma Disciples the time and talents of your Regional Minister. Click here to download a pdf of the Rev. Harris’ keynotes and sermons.
We thank these Partners in Ministry cruising: Rev. Terry Ewing (Phillips Theological Seminary), Rev. Rosario Ibarra (Disciples Church Extension Fund), Eric Gray (Oklahoma Disciples Foundation)
We thank Ms Jacque Bass, former Moderator of the Christian Church in Oklahoma, who worked on this event with Carnival and the planning team since the Regional Assembly 2022. Jacque wrangled all the ideas and details before, during, and after RA @ Sea. If you need a travel professional, we recommend her at Jacque B Travels.
We thank the planning team: Jacque Bass, Pam Holt, Colton Lott, Elaine Howsley, Joshua Bell, Randy Kuss, and Michael Davison.
July 11: Embarkation Day
Oklahoma Disciples Opening Reception 5pm-7pm
Disciples Fellowship and Introductions: Games, Raffles, Music, and Laughs
July 12: Sea Day
Oklahoma Disciples 10am-Noon
Morning Coffee and Snacks
Keynote, “Meeting Jesus Beside The Water: The Call To Honest Conversations, Acknowledged Ambiguity, and Bold Action”
Worship, “The Waters Of Baptism Convict Us, Cleanse Us, & Call Us To Conversion”
July 13: Port Day in Cozumel
July 14: Sea Day
Oklahoma Disciples 10am-Noon
Morning Coffee and Snacks
Keynote, “Meeting Jesus On and In The Water: The Call To Trust In Authority, Imagine Transformation, and Be Willing To Be Redeemed.”
Worship, “The Waters Of Baptism Collect Us, Claim Us, & Commission Us”
July 15: Debarkation Day – Be safe going home
Let’s sail again someday.
With heartfelt gratitude, the families and the congregation of First Christian Church Sulphur sent thank you notes for your generosity as they endeavor to rebuild their lives and community.
As of 6/20/2024, partnered with Week of Compassion the Region has disbursed $28,250 in Disaster Funds to Oklahoma (Disciples of Christ) tornado victims including families in Sulphur, Morris and Claremore.
06-10-24 The Regional Minister Search Committee had their initial meeting Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the regional office. Rev. Paul Koch, Regional Minister of Mid-America Region, is serving as Regional Minister Search Partner, providing orientation for the team and guidance through the Executive Search Process used by the search committee.
Disciples General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens joined in via Zoom to bring some words of insight and guidance for the search. Rev. Nathan Hill lead the team through a session of Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism training.
The Search Committee will be scheduling Listening Sessions in late Summer and early Fall to discern current needs of the region that will assist in the call of the next regional minister. Watch for the schedule of sessions in a future issue of the Regional Roundup.
(Pictured L to R) Rev. Jerry Black, Madi Showalter, Ruth Moore, Ashley Gibson, Rev. Jose Garza, Rev. Susan Payne (committee chair). Not pictured: Rev. Milton Bowen.
We’re pleased to share that First Christian Church Stroud is hosting our 2024 Regional Assembly on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10 am-noon.
Please join us for the biennial business meeting with:
This in-person event will also be broadcast on the Region’s YouTube channel.
Let’s gather Oklahoma Disciples!
The gathering of the 2024 Regional Assembly will include voting delegates from each congregation and Oklahoma’s clergy to participate in the Region’s biennial business meeting. They will vote on the 2024-2026 officers of the Regional Board and the location of the 2026 Regional Assembly. They will also hear Interim Regional Minister Rev. Randy Kuss’ State of the Region address, and receive the Region’s 2023 financial recap.
$35 Adults – includes lunch
$20 Youth (7-18) – includes lunch
February 5, 2024
The Executive Committee is pleased to announce the selection of Rev. Randy Kuss as the Interim Regional Minister. Randy will begin serving on February 15, 2024. He was chosen from a field of highly qualified candidates because of his administrative, programming, and pastoral gifts.
Clergy may reach out to welcome Randy via email starting on the 15th at rkuss@okdisciples.org.
We look forward to his leadership and participation in Regional activities!
Rev. Michael Oberlender, Regional Moderator
Listener • Storyteller • Song-leader • Photographer • Fisherman • Woodworker
Memphis native Rev. Randy Kuss is a 5th generation Disciple, whose grandfather and pastor was Rev. Dr. T. O. Slaughter. Randy is an ordained Disciples of Christ minister with 50 years of experience in congregational, regional, denominational, and ecumenical ministries including a special focus on Youth, Young Adult, and Outdoor Ministries. Those ministries included service with Oklahoma churches in El Reno, Yukon, Burlington, and Ponca City while pursuing degrees from Phillips University and Phillips Theological Seminary.
He retired in 2023 from service with Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis and with Disciples Home Missions. Randy looks forward to returning to Oklahoma to serve as Interim Regional Minister through this in-between time.
Randy most enjoys gathering folk together to hear what is going on in their ministries and helping them discover directions for their journey and resources in their midst to nurture them along the Way.
Randy is married to Rev. Deb Strock-Kuss, who also retired in 2023 from service as Associate Minister with Geist Christian Church, and they have two children. Randy and Deb will reside in Edmond.
FUN FACT: Randy once auctioned off his beard at a teen summer camp in Colorado, raising $1000 to support a camp for economically disadvantaged children.
[Rev. Dr. Todd Adams, Pension Fund, presents the Retired Minister Pin to Regional Minister Pamela Holt accompanied by her husband Randy Holt.]
February 12, 2024
This article is to be the “last word” from me to you. My call to serve as your Regional Minister draws to a close on February 29th when I enter into the season of retirement. Since coming to the Region of Oklahoma in January of 2015, it has been a joy and a privilege to serve alongside all clergy in their respective ministry sites, all congregations, and the Boards I served on, as well as with the remarkable Regional staff. Together, we have accomplished a lot of ministry over these nine years, and I am taking many memories with me.
I am deeply grateful for all who contributed to the wonderful worship service on February 3rd celebrating my ministry. Thank you to First Christian Church, Norman, for hosting. Thank you to David Spain for sharing remarkable prophetic words, the Chancel Choir for singing, John Clinton who stepped in at the last minute to direct the choir, Jenifer Buyten who played the organ and piano, Jeff Champeau for technology, Dave Saunders, Alison Lawler, and Jim Gasaway who ushered. Thank you to Josh Bell, Terri Hord Owens, Todd Adams, and Nancy Pittman who said very kind words. Thank you to Terri Hord Owens, Michael Oberlender, and Milton Bowens for presiding at the communion table.
Thank you to Michael Oberlender and Stacy Minnick for the surprise oil painting. And thank you to Michael Oberlender, Stacy Minnick, Colton Lott, and Ellen Spleth for organizing the service. A huge thank you to Josh Bell and his team for the delicious barbecue meal provided by the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation, the slide show prepared by Ellen Spleth and Michael Davison, and to FCC Norman members Pam Spain, Jim Gasaway, and Donna Brown for cleaning up afterwards.
Thank you to all who attended for this celebration in person or online and for the cards of blessings. I am truly grateful and humbled.
Upon my departure, the Region is inviting congregations to consider a contribution in honor of my ministry. These funds will be divided into two ministries which are so important to my heart: Clergywomen and Children and/or Youth. I am a clergywoman, and I entered ministry through the camping ministry as an adult. I have always been troubled by the story from the Gospel of Matthew recounting the feeding of the crowd of five thousand, “not counting women and children.” I want women and children to count, and I want to honor their hearts, minds, and most importantly, their voices. Thus, a portion of these funds will be directed to the Rev. Pamela & Randy Holt Endowment Fund held by the Christian Church Foundation to support the camping ministry in Oklahoma and the Southwest Regions, and a portion of these funds will be directed to the Scott & Mona Baird Endowment Fund held by the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation to support clergywomen in Oklahoma. Thank you for sharing in this passion.
I am grateful that the Executive Committee called Rev. Randy Kuss to serve as the Interim Regional Minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma who begins on Thursday, February 15th. I am very excited about this call and for you to meet him and welcome him into this vibrant Region. I will encourage him to learn all the words to “Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain . . .”!
May God’s blessing of love and grace continue to be upon you all. And may you continue to strive for loving and serving your neighbors, all your neighbors, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Always praying for peace and God’s Grace,
Pamela Holt
Siblings in Faith,
Pam and Randy Holt have made a lasting impact for the church, especially in Pam’s almost-decade tenure as the Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma. It is proper for us to honor their legacy by raising funds to extend their ministry into the far future.
To that end, we are asking congregations and other dedicated Disciples to consider making gifts as they are able in celebration of Pam’s retirement and in honor of her ministry.
With your generosity, the Christian Church in Oklahoma will make two important (and lasting) gifts.
The first is to establish the Rev. Pamela G. and Randy Holt Endowment Fund with the Christian Church Foundation, which will support camp and conference programming in the Oklahoma and Southwest Regions.
The second is to add to the Scott & Mona Baird Endowment held by the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation, which benefits ordained Oklahoma Disciples clergy women.
Included in this letter are suggested tiers of giving. We invite you to use these as they are useful for you or your context. Above all, we want to emphasize that no gift is too small and every intention is to extend Pam and Randy’s legacy and make more ministry for the Gospel of Jesus Christ happen as we celebrate a “job well done!”
We thank you for your consideration of generosity.
With deepest gratitude,
Rev. Michael Oberlender, Regional Moderator
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma
Please consider making a gift
to celebrate and honor the ministry of
The Rev. Pamela G. Holt
Regional Minister & President
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma
Gifts will –
To help guide your giving, the Retirement Celebration Committee recommends for your consideration the following:
For Congregations (on a sliding scale):
For Organizations, Areas, and Individuals:
Bronze Level $100 • Silver Level $250 • Gold Level $500 • Chalice Level $1,000
Your intention to give should be made known in writing to the Retirement Celebration Committee and sent to the Christian Church in Oklahoma by April 15, 2024, with the gift to be received in full no later than July 1, 2024.
We know Pam’s legacy is broad in the life of Oklahoma Disciples congregations and pastors – it is our hope that we can extend it even further in perpetuity to assist in funding the mission and ministry to which she has devoted her career.
With Christ’s love,
The Retirement Celebration Committee
Rev. Michael Oberlender, Regional Moderator / Retirement Celebration Committee Chair
Ms. Stacey Minnick, Regional Moderator-elect
Rev. Colton Lott, Moderator, Commission on Laity
Christian Church in Oklahoma
PO Box 891140 • Oklahoma City, OK 73189-1140
office@okdisciples.org • Online Giving
Questions may be directed to Rev. Michael Oberlender at revoberlender@yahoo.com
