Regional News Archives - Page 21 of 24 - Christian Church in Oklahoma

Your Generosity Nurtures Christ’s Church

Dear Regional Church Family,

Greetings! I am writing to thank you for your love for your congregation and to invite you to contribute to the Annual Fund of the larger church to which you belong, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma. This year’s goal for the Region’s Annual Fund is $130,000. As of this date, the Annual Fund has received almost 25% of its goal, and we need your help to reach our goal.

This is an exciting time of year for our young Disciples. Church camps have begun with Junior High young people renewing friendships and growing their faith. Camps for children and youth throughout the state continue through June and July. The Region has also expanded its camping ministry this year to include Grand Camp! This first year, 30 children and grandparents have registered and are excited to spend a weekend making precious memories. Overall, 350 campers’ lives will be transformed by their experiences at camp. Your gift supports this vital ministry that provides leadership for young people.

The Commission on Clergy, consisting of twelve lay people and clergy, have just completed another exhilarating and inspiring season for those who have said “yes” to God’s call to serve. First Christian Church Cherokee ordained Rev. Tom Stanley on May 21st, and Central Christian Church Enid ordained Rev. John Wheeler on May 28th. First Christian Church Tulsa will ordain Zenobia Mayo in August. Your gift supports this vital ministry that provides leadership for the whole church.

At this year’s General Assembly in Indianapolis, ten delegates representing the Oklahoma Region will include: Debra DeGroot, Chelsea Gray, Noel Gray, Janelle Gillispie, Randy Holt, Carmen Jackson, Sandy Malget, Peggy Clemmons, plus Larry and Diana Brown. Your gift provides this important opportunity for these faithful folks to participate as the voice of Oklahoma.

One of the priorities of the Region this year is to develop a Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism team. In November 2016, the Region hosted its first meeting where sixty people came to learn and share. The PRAR leadership team will receive its first training later this month. Your gifts are helping this critically needed ministry to move forward.

In April, the Region hosted another successful Leadership Training School, which offered numerous workshops for laity. Your gifts support this valued educational event.

In partnership with Global Ministries, in July a group of dedicated, faithful folks will travel to the Dominican Republic. They bring healing and hope to Caminante, a small school that provides safety and education to children who are easily targeted for sex trafficking. Your gifts are working beyond Oklahoma borders.

Another priority of the Regional Pastoral Staff is to be present to congregations and clergy in Sunday worship and in many of life’s varied circumstances. Your gift makes it possible for the pastoral staff to provide guidance and resources to our 149 congregations as each seeks to share God’s love in unique and beautiful ways in Oklahoma and beyond.

Your gift is also helping the Regional office better communicate with you. The Region has developed a robust website and monthly newsletter to help connect our congregations, and it has invested in new software to provide better care for you who help support the work of Regional ministry.

I am asking that you prayerfully consider giving to the 2017 Annual Fund to help support your Region and to reach its goal.

Again, thank you for your love of the church and your generosity to the Region of Oklahoma that seeks to equip, empower, and connect Disciples of Christ in Oklahoma living the way of Christ’s love.

Peace and prayer,

Pam Holt, Regional Minister

Give Online

CCOK3012017-06-28T10:42:02-05:00Jun 21, 2017|Regional News|Comments Off

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