Regional News Archives - Page 20 of 23 - Christian Church in Oklahoma

Northeast Area Elects Rev. Kevin Howe New Moderator

The Northeast Area has elected Rev. Kevin Howe as their new moderator. Kevin serves as Community Pastor Harvard Avenue Christian Church, engaging with the greater community of Tulsa since 2014.

His Masters of Divinity is from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas, and he has been involved in a number of church communities (including churches in Texas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Georgia, and New Mexico).

Passionate for mission and outreach, Kevin has served as a missionary to Honduras through Global Ministries (DoC). Kevin currently serves on the boards of OASIS Adult Day Services and Camp Christian. Some of his favorite activities involve making music, playing sports, and traveling with his wife, Jodi.

A few words from Kevin, “To the Northeast Area of the Christian Churches in Oklahoma (NEACCO), it is truly an honor to be called to serve as moderator of NEACCO, as we share together in service to God and neighbor. The ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in this geographical area takes many diverse forms through many rich gifts, and yet all are bound together in Christ.

As such, I am eager to explore with you how we can support each other through our collective efforts as an area: deepening our relationships with one another, sharpening our communication of ministry efforts, and identifying new opportunities for ministry. All of this will require an openness and flexibility to move in the direction that God leads.

I give thanks for the ways that you will contribute to the work of NEACCO through your support, resources and prayers. With God’s help, we will press forward, seeking to faithfully live out God’s vision for our lives, communities, and this area we know as NEACCO. We have Good News and there is good work to be done!”

In Christ,
Kevin Howe

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:44-05:00Jun 20, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Faith in Action Commission Calls for PRAR Prayer

Faith in Action Commission Calls for Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Season of Prayer

As followers of Christ, we are commanded to love God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. (Mark 12:30-21) John quotes Jesus saying to love one another. (John 13:34) Paul instructs us There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Have you ever wondered why Paul did not list race? Social scientists began identifying, analyzing, and categorizing race around the 18th century. It was a most meaningful time when slavery and Manifest Destiny needed justification.

Our world is fragmented and hurting because

we lack understanding of the complexities of our society.
we retain carefully taught values; we do not question.
the world is scary, and we are afraid of those who are different than us.
it is to our economic advantage to establish hierarchies of worth among our brothers and sisters.

The Faith in Action Commission is embarking on a process to address each of these realities in our world today. In the fall of 2016, we gathered a group to consider the development of a Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Team (PRAR) to coordinate this work.

On June 22-24, 2017 a planning task force will develop policies and procedures for this team with the help of leaders from the Illinois-Wisconsin Region who have some years of experience with such a group. We are asking all of you to join us in a season of prayer as we seek God’s guidance in such a time as these.

Oklahoma PRAR Task Force Members

Kelley Becker
Brenda Denson
Leslie Dotson – Associate Regional Minister
Deloris Guess
Brandon Johnson – Editor of policies and procedures
Marilynn Knott – Moderator of Faith in Action Commission
Marty McCutchen
Loretta Payne
Bill Skye
Tom Stanley – Editor of policies and procedures

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:47:49-05:00Jun 20, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Thank You for Supporting Global Ministries

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma is proud to report a gift of $6,600 to Global Ministries. Of this $6,600 gift, $3,600 represents 50% of the Oklahoma Region’s $7,200 commitment to support Caminante in 2017 and $3,000 of this gift will be used for supplies for the July summer fair.

Reverend Jane Sullivan-Davis, CFRE (Executive for Resource Development Global Ministries) says “With your gift, we walk together with international partners on our shared journey.

In South Korea, Global Ministries missionary Kahala Cannon writes that the Unity of Filipino Migrant Workers Association in Korea (KASAMMAKO) planted seeds as they celebrated the 19th anniversary of their organization. Members presented items that represented their struggles of living and working in Korea. A pair of gloves, a roll of ribbon, cloth, and towels were all items which symbolize the labor, sweat, and tears poured out each day in the factories in Korea, and also reaffirm their efforts in breaking down walls of injustice and moving toward self-sustainability.

Thank you for planting seeds through your gift to Global Ministries. With your gift, you walk with international partners in hope, peace, justice, and love.”

To learn more or to support Global Ministries read more here.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:03-05:00May 22, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society Ministry Opportunity: President

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society has a Ministry Opportunity available for President.

The called leader will head this important and fiscally secure General Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) into a bright future of serving the Stone-Campbell Movement and the ecumenical church.

The Disciples of Christ Historical Society, located in Bethany, West Virginia, seeks to call a steward to be our next President. The called person will be given a unique opportunity to serve in continuity within the tradition of extending the ministry of Christ.

The successful candidate will be afforded the opportunity to work in an historic, academic and bucolic setting. The position will be located in a newly refurbished reception area and a newly constructed state-of-the-art archival facility that is contiguous to the Alexander Campbell historic sites and within walking distance of sites honored with the national landmark status.

The ministry, affectionately known as DCHS, embodies the witness of history. We are a society that gathers people into community. The Society is also the trustee of an extensive archival collection and library.

The President serves as a sign of the important gift of history by actively practicing the craft of being an historian while ultimately facilitating and supporting the work of colleagues who are historians of the church, particularly those within the Stone-Campbell family.

For further details read the full job description HERE.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:09-05:00May 15, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Green Chalice News – Caring for God’s Creation

Green Chalice would like to teach every congregation how to become a Green Chalice congregation.

The purpose of the Green Chalice Program is to encourage and assist local congregations/DOC Offices and Assemblies who wish to live out their faith by caring for creation. This program is designed to recognize congregations for being good stewards of God’s creation. It also aims to empower congregations/assemblies with ideas and resources to enable them to walk gently on the earth.

The program has two tiers. The first level is to become a Green Chalice Congregation/Assembly. The second level is to become a CERTIFIED Green Chalice Congregation or Assembly.

The following churches are Green Chalice Congregations in Oklahoma.

Bethany Christian Church, Tulsa
Disciples Christian Church, Bartlesville
Disciples Christian Church, Owasso
Edmond Trinity Christian Church, Edmond
Southern Hills Christian Church, Edmond
Western Oaks Christian Church, Oklahoma City

To see a complete list of the Current Green Chalice Congregations and CERTIFIED Green Chalice Congregations, please click here.

Learn more by reading the Green-Chalice-Welcome-Letter. Help care for God’s Creation.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:29-05:00May 8, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Thank You For Making LTS a HUGE Success!

Thank you to everyone who helped make Leadership Training School 2017 a success! 48 churches and over 320 individuals participated in Leadership Training School at FCC OKC on April 1st.

Rev. Dr. Bryan Feille shared Ephesians 4:11-13 with us to prepare us for keynote speaker, Laurie Feille's worship message "Everybody Has a Gift". Laurie's uplifting worship message was exactly what we all needed to hear to breathe new life into our churches this Spring. She emphasized the importance of sharing your God given talents and gifts with your church.

Rev. John Malget and the Southern Hills Christian Church Praise Band shared their musical talents during worship. New Vessel Christian Church's Children's Choir blessed us as they shared their beautiful voices.

The workshops were not only educational but inspirational, and we would like to thank all our workshop leaders for sharing their time and gifts with their classes.

We would also like to thank Rev. Aaron Krueger (Crown Heights Christian Church) who led the LTS Planning Committee and all of the leaders on the Committee for their time and talents to create a successful event. Last but not least, we recognize the leaders that helped with the worship service at LTS. We recognize each of your talents and are grateful you chose to share them with us.

Rev. Aaron Krueger (Crown Heights Christian Church) acknowledged the efforts of the LTS Planning Team. "LTS was a success, in my book. Regardless of how many people registered, attended, or considered attending, the event, itself was a success. You all worked really hard on making sure all the details were combed over, prepared for, and executed to perfection. Thank you all!"

Thank you to the following churches for bringing 8 or more people!

FCC Claremore
FCC Frederick
FCC OKC
FCC Sulphur
New Covenant
Northwest Christian Church
Pine Street Christian Church
Refuge Fellowship
Southern Hills Christian Church
Waukomis Christian Church
Western Oaks Christian Church

In 2018, Leadership Training School will combine with Regional Assembly for one important event. Mark your calendars for April 27-28, 2018 at New Covenant Christian Church. More details will follow soon.

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:42-05:00Apr 13, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Oklahoma Disciples Foundation – New Grant Program

Limited Funds Available in 2017 from New ODF Grant Program

As of 2017, ODF has a limited amount of funds available through a grant-making process. Several permanent endowments have been established with specific, varied purposes for providing funds to non-profit 501(c) (3) organizations. The majority of the funds in 2017 are directed for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) related programs, ministries and missions for children, youth and young adults. Also, funds will be available for the education of clergy, laity and congregations on the guidance and art of spiritual giving. And, some funds will be available for new churches or new ways of being a church.

All grants will be awarded based on funding events or programs with potential to make the greatest impact. A grant-making committee of current and former ODF board members will review applications and make recommendations to the ODF board of directors.

Preliminary application requests should be mailed or emailed to ODF by May 1, 2017. Proof of non-profit status should accompany the preliminary application. The ODF Grant Committee will convene in early May to discuss applications and allocate funds. Committee recommendations and findings will be reported to the full board of directors for a vote at their regularly scheduled meeting on July 25, 2017. The checks will be mailed shortly following approval.

Grant money will be awarded to charitable entities, not individuals. Requests to discharge preexisting debts will not be considered.

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.

Grant Application Grant Guidelines

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:48:58-05:00Mar 23, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Offer Extended! New Regional T-shirts For Sale

Great for General Assembly!

Mission trips and more…

Support your pride for the Oklahoma Region by sporting this awesome new T-shirt at General Assembly!

Cost: $20 + shipping (~$4.99 per item)

Item: Hanes ComfortSoft Tagless T-shirt

Sizes: YXS-XXXXL

HURRY – Offer Ends May 11th!

(Items ship when our campaign ends approximately May 30th)

Order Your T-shirt Today!

CCOK3012017-04-20T14:14:53-05:00Mar 22, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Disciples Home Missions Virtual 5K/10K

Join the fun and support Disciples Home Fund by participating in the Disciples Home Missions Virtual 5K, 10K: Moving for Wholeness II

Put together a group from your congregation. You can run/walk anytime, anywhere, and with anyone! Click here to sign up.

Price: Individuals, $25.00 Race Fee + $2.50 SignUp Fee

Registration: Registration ends April 3, 2017 at 11:59pm EDT

What is a Virtual 5k/10K? A virtual 5K/10K race is a 5km (or 10K) race that can be run at any location. You can walk, use the treadmill, run outside, or join a local race near you. (You can even break it up over time!) Share pictures with the #disciples5k tag and we’ll help cheer you on! Last year 550 runners participated! Join in!

Why Disciples Mission Fund? This is an opportunity to share the passion our church has to put mission first. DMF Easter Offering funds go to support vital General Ministries like Disciples Home Missions, Disciples Women, Global Ministries, Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation, and many others. Learn more at disciplesmissionfund.org.

Who’s invited? Everyone! Individuals, Families, Youth Groups, or any group or ministry is welcome! Need an activity for a retreat or mission trip? Your group is invited, too!

How do I sign up? Registration is open March 1 through April 3.

When do I run? Run your race at any time. We’ll send out t-shirts and medals in early May for you to claim at the finish line! Wear your t-shirts and medals at General Assembly on Monday, July 10th!

Spread the word! Join us on Facebook and invite your friends! Share your posts and pictures with the tag #disciples5k

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:49:03-05:00Mar 22, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

Meet the General Minister and President Nominee

The General Board voted to forward the name of Rev. Teresa (Terri) Hord Owens to the 2017 General Assembly as the nominee for General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Read more here.

What the search committee saw in the nominee. Chair shares qualities of Hord Owens; process explained.

"We saw in Terri that unique combination of pastoral, leadership, active presence in all expressions of the Church and administrative experience that the search committee believed was most needed," said Search Committee Chair Jackie Bunch. "She has experience as a local pastor, theologian and leader. The committee particularly noted her skills in discernment, spiritual discipline and proclamation of the Word, but also as a listener."

The Rev. Teresa "Terri" Hord Owens, nominee for General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is not only an ordained minister, but she has also spent time in academia as executive and mentor as well as earlier experiences in secular industries.

The pastor of First Christian Church of Downers Grove, IL, since 2010, Hord Owens is also Dean of Students at the University of Chicago Divinity School, where she has been since 2005. She answered God's call to ministry in 1996 and was ordained in 2003. Click here for brief biography.

"The search committee recognized that leading the Church in this day and age requires a certain business acumen as well as a heart for ministry," Bunch said. "We see that Terri brings that special mix of academic, executive and pastoral qualities that are required for leading the Disciples through this time in our North American culture. She has a background of bringing together diverse groups for dialogue that will serve the Church well."

How the search committee process worked

The Search Committee followed the Executive Search Model which is intended to cast a wide net for potential candidates. First they started with anti-racism training and covenanted to pray each Wednesday morning, not only for the process but for the person God was calling to lead Christ's Church.

The Search Committee launched a Church-wide survey on Feb. 12, 2016, intended to allow the committee the opportunity to listen to and hear from the Church. The survey had more than 1,600 responses with some in each language offered – English, Korean, Spanish and French. Just over half of the respondents identified as clergy and five identified as under 18.

A job description was crafted based on that feedback and, after being approved by the Administrative Committee, the position description was posted on May 19, 2016.

The committee received more than 40 nominations/recommendations. Each person was contacted and informed they were nominated. A link to the description and listing of application materials was provided and each was invited each to be in prayer and discernment about God's call on his/her life. Applications were due July 10, 2016. Notices were posted on the website of the progress of the committee's work along with e-mails to individuals who had requested updates on the process.

Nine names were screened by a professional human resources person outside the denomination in accordance with the search model. The search committee met to go over the applications. After much discussion, the committee used a rubric matrix based on the feedback from the all-Church survey to identify the top four candidates to interview. It was only then that the committee interviewed the top four candidates in October. Three were forwarded to the Administrative Committee and on Feb. 24 the vote was taken on which to present to the General Board.

It has been confirmed by her physician that she is healthy enough to serve as General Minister & President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

CCOK3012019-03-18T15:49:41-05:00Mar 2, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off