Regional News Archives - Page 18 of 23 - Christian Church in Oklahoma

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

Free Heart Disease Wellness Fair October 28, 2017

APPNA and Oklahoma Conference of Churches are holding a Free Heart Disease Wellness Fair at the Oklahoma Disciples Center located at 301 NW 36th Street, Oklahoma City on October 28, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

For more information about this event see the attached flyer HERE.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:42:15-05:00Oct 18, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Oklahoma Drop Sites for CWS Buckets and Kits

Week of Compassion is responding and will continue to reach out to our partners and churches to provide emergency support and assistance in these unprecedented storms, Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, and Hurricane Irma, which impacted several southeastern states and Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Please continue to keep these millions of people in your prayers, and thank you for your generous support to Week of Compassion.

We also continue to encourage congregations to make Church World Service Clean-Up Buckets and Hygiene Kits. (CLICK HERE for a list of the contents and instructions on assembly.) These will be distributed both in South Texas and in Florida for those impacted by the hurricanes.

Oklahoma Drop Off Points for Clean-Up Buckets & Hygiene Kits

Duncan
First Christian Church Duncan
912 W. Walnut Ave.
Duncan, OK 73533
(580) 255-6116 (Contact Ron Savage)
Drop Buckets Off by Sept. 28th

Enid
Iglesia Christiana El Shaddai
1524 N. Independence St.
Enid, OK 73701
(580) 278-8424 (Contact Francisco Hernadez)
Drop Buckets Off by Sept. 28th

Edmond
First Christian Church Edmond
201 E. 2nd St.
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 341-3544 (Contact Gwen Shaw)
Drop Buckets Off by Sept. 28th

Oklahoma City
First Christian Church Oklahoma City
3700 N. Walker Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 525-6551 (Contact John Malget)
Drop Buckets Off by Sept. 28th

Church World Service Drop Site
OK Conference UMC Ministry Center
1501 NW 24^thOklahoma City, OK 73106

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Drop Buckets Off by Sept. 29th

Contact:
Email: Rebekah Belase, rbelase@cwsglobal.org
Phone: Tabitha, Welcome and Hospitality Desk, 405-530-2000

Tulsa
Harvard Avenue Christian Church
5502 S. Harvard Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 742-5509 (Contact Courtney Richards)
Drop Buckets Off by Sept. 28th

Donate to Church World Service

Donate to Week of Compassion

CCOK3012017-09-21T10:08:25-05:00Sep 12, 2017|Regional News|2 Comments

Update 3: Hurricanes, wildfires and world disasters

551st Multi-Role Bridge Company out of El Campo, Texas, scouts the road for water depth as his unit makes there way to a flooded Orange, Texas neighborhood where they use their boats to search for people in need of help, Sept. 3, 2017 as a result of Hurricane Harvey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joshua L. DeMotts)

Blackhawk flyover of Railyard in Beaumont, TX on 9-2-17. (Video by 1st lt. Nicholas Caesar, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Southwestern Division)

Air National Guard responding to Pier Fire Fresno, CA

U.S. Air National Guardsmen follow a U.S. Forrest Service lead plane under a large column of smoke preparing to drop retardant on the Pier Fire southeast of Fresno California. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Tech. Sgt. Jeff Allen.)

U.S. Air National Guardsmen Maj. Danny Ariza (left) Capt. Nate Southwick (right) and loadmaster Staff Sgt. Garret Gillette (center) follow a U.S. Forrest Service lead plane under a large column of smoke preparing to drop retardant on the Pier Fire southeast of Fresno California (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Tech. Sgt. Jeff Allen.)

We are sharing this information to update you about the continued devastation from U.S. Hurricanes and wildfires and other world disasters. Above image credits: NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team Hurricane Irma 9/6/17

Pam Holt, Regional Minister

09.07.17 11:00 am

"Listen to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, who suffer most because of the unbalanced ecology."
Pope Frances

Disasters in South Texas & Louisiana, California, India, Caribbean, Florida

Last week while Hurricane Harvey devastated south Texas and wild fires in California, monsoons paralyzed Mumbai with twelve hundred lives lost and twenty-four million people affected across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

As of today, Hurricane Irma has devastated several Caribbean islands.

In Puerto Rico, millions are without electricity and many are without water. There have been ten reported deaths.
Caminante, located in the Dominican Republic, has been severely affected. Caminante is a Global Ministries partner and one our Region supports and visits each summer.
And now Florida is preparing for Hurricane Irma's wild and chaotic presence this weekend.

Week of Compassion is responding and will continue to reach out to our partners and churches to provide emergency support and assistance in these unprecedented storms.

Please continue to keep these millions of people in your prayers, and thank you for your generous support to Week of Compassion.

We also continue to encourage congregations to make Church World Service Clean-Up Buckets and Hygiene Kits. (CLICK HERE for a list of the contents and instructions on assembly.) These will be distributed both in South Texas and in Florida.

Oklahoma Drop Off Points for Clean-Up Buckets & Hygiene Kits

Duncan
First Christian Church Duncan
912 W. Walnut Ave.
Duncan, OK 73533
(580) 255-6116

Enid
Iglesia Christiana El Shaddai
1524 N. Independence St.
Enid, OK 73701
(580) 278-8424

Edmond
First Christian Church Edmond
201 E. 2nd St.
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 341-3544

Oklahoma City
First Christian Church Oklahoma City
3700 N. Walker Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 525-6551

Tulsa
Harvard Avenue Christian Church
5502 S. Harvard Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 742-5509

Donate to Church World Service

Donate to Week of Compassion

CCOK3012017-09-07T15:59:59-05:00Sep 7, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

General Minister’s Thoughts on DACA in the U.S.

9/5/17 From General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens:

“I mourn for the wound that is opened in the hearts of the more than three quarters of a million youth and young adults who, with their families, grieve because of the President’s unwillingness to maintain the work sustaining and education encouraging and community supporting the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA recipients are our neighbors in nearly every community. They are our classmates in nearly every college, university, and seminary. They are our friends in our workplaces–sometimes whether we know it or not. And they are key leaders in our churches; brave and faithful and full of determination to contribute consistently to build up the strength of their families and neighborhoods and congregations. Our relationships with these fine young people and their families help us to fulfill our call to welcome the sojourner and experience unity among the diverse tapestry of communities in our church and nation.

“Therefore, the President’s decision to end the DACA program without certainty of legislative action to protect those who have come forward to receive DACA status seeks to bully the breath from their life hope, and to browbeat our efforts to follow scripture’s command for hospitality.

“Likewise, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients are our church pastors, leaders, and strength from Haitian, Salvadorans, and other backgrounds. Therefore, threats from the administration to eliminate TPS for vulnerable populations are unmerciful. They harm our faith family directly and seek to replace the economic healing and health offered through TPS with danger and even potential death if recipients are deported to disastrous conditions in their homeland.

“DACA and TPS recipients have followed the calling of God in Jeremiah 27:9 to ‘seek the welfare of the city to where I send you;’ and our faith compels us likewise to support the well being and healing of those who offer their gifts generously to our nation. We therefore urge immediate passage of The DREAM Act of 2017 by Congress which would offer stability to the lives of immigrant leaders, and we are committed to continuing work for compassionate immigration reforms that can support family unity, offer a stable future to hardworking immigrants, and enable them to fully utilize their God-granted gifts without fears of deportation.”

To follow this issue, go to the Disciples Home Missions Refugee and Immigration Ministry page

CCOK3012017-09-05T11:51:32-05:00Sep 5, 2017|Regional News|1 Comment