Regional News Archives - Page 17 of 22 - Christian Church in Oklahoma

New Nebraska Regional Minister Called: Rev. Christopher Morton

The Regional Board voted unanimously to call Rev. Chris Morton to serve as the next Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nebraska, beginning in April. Chris has served as a pastor of congregations in Indiana, Minnesota and Washington, and in senior leadership and/or executive director of ecumenical and interfaith organizations in Minnesota and Washington.

Additionally, Chris has been executive director to a few secular nonprofit organizations, and for nearly 10 years provided organizational development consulting to a variety of not-for-profits. He will move to Lincoln and will begin his ministry in Nebraska in early April.

Much appreciation is expressed to the search committee, co-chaired by Eileen Kunz, (pictured with Chris at left,) and Gayle Gengenbach, (right).

“Chris brings to us the needed balance of pastoral care, administrative ability, fund-raising experience and a vision for future ministry,” Eileen said. Other members of the committee were Jay Mitchell, Daryl Lauber, Ann Pope, and Phyllis Dunlop.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:41:38-05:00Feb 6, 2018|Regional News|Comments Off

Register Today for “Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate” Seminar with Dr. J. Clif Christopher

Oklahoma Disciples Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr. Clif Christopher, noted author, pastor and certified church growth consultant, will be the featured speaker at a Foundation-sponsored stewardship seminar at First Christian Church, Moore, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to hear Dr. Christopher share stories and insight about his experiences within the church relating to generosity and stewardship.

Dr. Clif Christopher

Mark your calendar now and plan to attend. Please register HERE by February 23, 2018.

Dr. Christopher founded the Horizons Stewardship Company in 1992 following a challenging career in pastoral ministry. He serves as the company’s CEO to this day. In his twenty years as a pastor, he led numerous major building and capital campaigns. Since founding Horizons, he and his strategists have led consultations in over 2,000 churches, conferences, synods and diocese in all phases of building, finance, and church growth raising billions of dollars for ministry.

Dr. Christopher is a certified church growth consultant and has earned the coveted title CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive). In 1995, he was given the National Circuit Rider Award by the United Methodist Church for outstanding leadership in developing vital congregations.

He has personally worked in over 42 states and is a frequent speaker at stewardship seminars around the country. He is the co-author of the book Holy Smoke, the author of Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate, Whose Offering Plate Is It?, Rich Church – Poor Church and The Church Money Manual.

Dr. Bill Easum, noted consultant and author, said, “No one knows more about local church stewardship than Clif Christopher.”

Mega church pastor, Adam Hamilton said, “When I have a stewardship question, I call Clif Christopher.”

Foundation director, David Atkins said, “Clif is one of the most effective communicators in the field of church fundraising today.”

Author and highly successful pastor, Mike Slaughter said, “Clif Christopher is one of the top authorities on church finance and stewardship in America.”

Abingdon Press has described him as “The leading voice of finance and stewardship in the Christian Church.”

Clif has been an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church since 1975, is a combat veteran of the Gulf War, and is married and living in Little Rock, Arkansas.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:41:43-05:00Jan 29, 2018|Regional News|Comments Off

Oklahoma Disciples Foundation Grant Applications Due Feb. 15th

In 2017, ODF implemented a grant-making process to provide funds for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma related programs, ministries and missions. Over the years, several permanent endowments have been established by donors or through closed church memorial funds with specific, varied purposes to provide ongoing funding to the Foundation’s grant program. The endowments support ministries and missions for children, youth and young adults as well as provide for the education of clergy, laity and congregations on the guidance and art of spiritual giving. Endowments also provide funding to benefit healthcare ministries for seniors, church innovation and ecumenical spiritual education for students. View the endowment summaries at the link above.

Please see the summary below of estimated grant funds available this year. The deadline for applications for 2018 Grant Funding is 5:00 p.m., February 15, 2018. Links to current Grant Guidelines, 2018 Grant Application and Grant Scoring are available HERE. The grant program awards funding based on events or programs with potential to make the greatest impact. A grant-making committee of current and former ODF board members reviews applications and makes recommendations to the ODF board of directors. Grant checks will be mailed by the end of March.

Email Julie Bowers at jabowers@okdfdn.org to be included on a list of interested parties for email updates. Or call 405.525.6530 for more information.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:41:48-05:00Jan 29, 2018|Regional News|Comments Off

The Oklahoma Conference of Churches Announces the Retirement of The Rev. Dr. William Tabbernee

The Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, Dr. William Tabbernee has announced his retirement. Please read Dr. Tabbernee’s letter below.

“At a recent meeting of the OCC Board, I gave official notice that I will be resigning my position as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches on March 31, 2018.

Following a serious health scare in September, I decided that it is time to retire and, hopefully, enjoy a less busy life for another 10 or 15 good years. The decision to set my retirement date, however, was done with mixed emotions as I have loved and continue to love my ministry with OCC.

My decision to retire has been made easier by the fact that we have in place an outstanding staff in the Rev. Mary Hughes Gaudreau (Director of Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care), the Rev. Shannon Fleck (Director of Community Engagement), Ms. Courtland Powers (Director of Development and Finance), and Ms. Aly Shahan (part-time Administrative Assistant to the ESC Program). I look forward to the remaining months of my ministry with the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, and spending time with you all in the coming months.”

Warmest regards,

Join OCC in a Reception Honoring Dr. Tabbernee. A reception in Dr. Tabbernee’s honor will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 from 4:30-6pm at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City (1232 North Classen Blvd., OKC, OK 73106), with a brief program to take place at 5 p.m. All are invited to attend. RSVP to sfleck@okchurches.org

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:02-05:00Jan 16, 2018|Regional News|Comments Off

A Christmas Letter From Regional Minister, Rev. Pam Holt

Merry Christmas!

Your Regional staff looks very nice all dressed up!

(L-R Assoc. Regional Min. Rev. Michael Davison, Regional Min. Rev. Pam Holt, Exec. Assistant Ellen Beer, Facility Manager Richard Keith, Admin. Assistant Jennifer Gallaway, Assoc. Regional Min. Rev. Leslie Dotson, Admin. Assistant Lori Richcreek-Heldmann)

On the first Wednesday of each month, the Regional staff gathers for a staff meeting at the Disciples Center to share, plan, and pray for the ministries in Oklahoma. On this particular day, we were headed out to the Vast restaurant on the 49th floor of the Devon Tower, 726.2 feet above downtown Oklahoma City! The view was spectacular, and we shared fellowship and delicious food for our Christmas celebration. Thank you, Regional Church!

We also thank you for your generous gifts that support the ministry of the Region which seeks to connect, empower, and equip Disciples of Christ to love and serve just like Jesus. Your gifts which support the Region come through your congregation’s budget, Disciples Mission Fund, and the generosity of Disciples in the pew through the Christmas Offering, and through generous individuals who give to the Region’s Annual Fund. We are very grateful for your giving, and more importantly, for the opportunity to serve the Region in ministry.

We hope each of you and all of you have a Merry Christmas with family and friends! As we once again hear the story of God breaking into our world and Jesus being born among us, may God’s blessing of hope and joy be upon us all! “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!”

Rev. Pam Holt

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:27-05:00Dec 14, 2017|Regional News|4 Comments

Need a Gift Idea? Give an Alternative Christmas Gift This Year!

We are honored to highlight the following ministries as we celebrate the Advent Season. If you choose to give an Alternative Gift this year, consider giving to one of these ministries for your loved one.

Caminante
Disciples4Water
Disciples Mission Fund
Leave No Child Behind
Reconciliation Fund (Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racism)
Regional Annual Fund
Week of Compassion
Youth Camp

Donations to any of these ministries may be given through the Regional Office’s website or by check. Be sure to note the ministry in the memo line on your check. Mail checks to:

Christian Church in Oklahoma
301 NW 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:44:32-05:00Dec 13, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Death of Former Regional Minister Rev. Eugene Frazier

Rev. Dr. Eugene “Gene” Frazier
October 24, 1928 – December 8, 2017

Eugene Norman (Gene) Frazier was born on October 24, 1928 in Ursa, Illinois, the son of J. Norman and Esther Frazier. He dedicated his life to ministry as a teenager and preached his first sermon at the age of seventeen. While attending college in Eureka, Illinois and Phillips University and Seminary in Enid, Oklahoma, he served student congregations in Reese, Kansas; Lorraine, Illinois; Taloga and Jet, Oklahoma. He held B.A., B.D., and D.D. Degrees; and was ordained Into Christian ministry in 1949. After seminary graduation, he served First Christian Church in Chillicothe, MO, followed by a staff position for the Christian Churches in Missouri. His ministries consisted of strong emphasis on evangelism, reconciliation and outreach. As a promoter of stewardship, he and Bonnie went far beyond tithing in their own giving.

In 1959, he became pastor of Park Place Christian Church, Hutchinson, Kansas. During his 7 ½ years there, the sanctuary and education expansion were built; the congregation doubled in membership; and outreach giving more than tripled. While in Hutchinson, he was awarded a trip to the Holy Land in recognition of his leadership in the church and community. He then served for 11 ½ years as senior minister at Countryside Christian Church, Mission, Kansas. Dr. Frazier gave strong leadership to lay leadership development and stewardship, while the church’s budget reached 49% to outreach and the building debt was retired. His record of service throughout his ministry is extensive in all manifestations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), including numerous offices, boards, committees and interdenominational bodies. In local pastorates he was additionally involved in Scouts, YMCA, mental health, hospitals and many areas of community service.

Dr. Frazier was installed as Executive Regional Minister for the 200 Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma in 1977, a distinguished position he held for sixteen years until his retirement to Foxwood Springs Living Center, Raymore, Missouri, where he served as chaplain from 1993 to 1998. He was an active member of Raymore Christian Church and the Foxwood Springs community, volunteering in many capacities.

He and his wife, Bonnie, were married for nearly 68 years (Dec. 26th, 1948). They served faithfully in ministry, traveled extensively, led groups, and witnessed the mission of the church throughout the world. Five surviving children blessed their marriage: Linda Sue, San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico; Cynthia Lou (Steve Summers), Springfield, Missouri; James Kevin (Judy Bryan), Overland Park, Kansas; Jeffrey Alan, Atlanta, Georgia; and Joy Lynn (Kelly Dwyer), Olathe, Kansas; 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and one on the way.

Preceding Eugene in death were his parents, a brother Richard Lee, and sisters, Ola Mae and Wanda June.

A service of memory and celebration will be held at Raymore Christian Church, 500 Peace Dr., Raymore, MO on December 27, 2017 at 10:30 AM.

Memorial gifts may be made to: Raymore Christian Church, PO Box 680, Raymore, MO 64083; Park Place Christian Church, 2600 N Adams St, Hutchinson, KS, 67502; or Countryside Christian Church, 6101 Nall Ave, Mission, KS 66202.

The body has been donated for medical research. The cremains will be laid to rest at a later time in New Providence Cemetery, Ursa, Illinois.

Cards of care and concern may be sent to Bonnie at her home.

Mrs. Bonnie Frazier
508 N. Long Blvd.
Raymore, MO 64083-9148

CCOK3012017-12-11T11:06:12-06:00Dec 11, 2017|Regional News|2 Comments

Announcing NBA Mission and Ministry Grantees!

National Benevolent Association Funds 21 Grants to Support Older Adults and At-Risk Children and Youth in 2018. Through its Mission and Ministry Grants Program, the National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is granting a total of $150,250 to 21 Disciples projects and ministries working with older adults and at-risk children and youth. This year’s grantees are located across 12 Disciples regions and 4 areas. Of the 21 selected projects, 14 are focused on at-risk children and youth; 5 are focused on older adults; and 2 are intergenerational, serving both communities.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

Please Give to the Annual Fund 2017

Dear Regional Church Family,

As we enter the last quarter of 2017, please remember the great Region of Oklahoma with a gift to the Annual Fund. This year your generous giving to the 2017 Annual Fund has been remarkable. The Region’s goal for 2017 is $130,000, and thus far you have given a total of $58,556 to support your Region’s ministry and mission! We are almost halfway there!

Your gifts matter because our mission and ministry to be present in all of the Region’s varied circumstances really represents YOU showing up to be a part of God’s work of healing and wholeness. A pastor dies, you are there. A pastor retires. You are there. A congregation searches for a new pastor. You are there. A new pastor is called. You are there. Camp is “happening.” You are there. A pastor is diagnosed with cancer or has surgery. You are there. A congregation returns to the fold. You are there. A student graduates and is ordained. You are there. A congregation celebrates a milestone anniversary. You are there.

Disciples are grateful for your presence and your prayers through us, the Regional Staff. This is what makes us unique. The Regional Staff can only do this work of connecting, empowering, and equipping Disciples of Christ to love and serve like Jesus with your generous support. We serve you so that you can serve God, and together, we give thanks.

Every Gift Counts

Will you help us reach our goal by the end of the year with a tax-deductible gift to the Annual Fund? Every gift counts — large or small. I invite you to be among the good and faithful Oklahoma Disciples who always give with generous hearts to be a part of God’s work in making all things new.

Blessings and peace for the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Rev. Pamela G. Holt
Regional Minister

Learn more about the Region’s funding sources.

Donate Today

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:45:16-05:00Nov 7, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Speaker Announced for 2018 Leadership Training School

We are pleased to announce the speaker for 2018 Leadership Training School/Regional Assembly. Rev. Virzola Law will join us for the Clergy Dinner on Friday, April 27 evening as well as preach on Saturday, April 28 at the LTS/Regional Assembly worship service.

Rev. Virzola Jo-Nan Law is the proud mother of Jasmin Williams who has given her the most precious gift of a granddaughter, Ava Jo-Nan Law Williams. Rev. Law is a fourth generation member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she was baptized in her home church, University Christian Church in Houston, TX. Her parents, Elder Thomas and Virginia Law, have been her biggest supporters and cheerleaders since she accepted her call to ministry at the age of 15.

Rev. Law currently serves as Senior Pastor of the historic Lindenwood Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. She is the first elected female and African American to serve in this capacity at Lindenwood. Prior to being called to Lindenwood, Rev. Law served in various pastoral positions at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in a span of twelve years.

Before moving to Memphis she was Senior Pastor at Woodland Christian Church in Houston, Texas. Prior to full time ministry she received a Masters of Divinity Degree from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas. She also worked on her masters degree while attending Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. During her seminary years Rev. Law served as Associate Pastor at First Christian Church in Carrollton, Texas.

She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She enjoys a good book, traveling, lakes, oceans, and spending time with her friends and families.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:42:09-05:00Oct 18, 2017|Regional News|1 Comment