Phillips Seminary is excited to welcome the Indigo Girls in concert on Sunday, November 13 at 6 pm at Legends Ballroom, downtown Tulsa.
The seminary needs a way to celebrate who we are and introduce ourselves to the wider Tulsa community and PhillipsFest should do just that.
Also on the bill for the evening: Trey Pearson, of Everyday Sunday, and Eric Himan, lead singer of local band, Soundsquatch.
Sitting in the dark amongst all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I seek words.
But there are none.
Sitting in the dark amongst all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I seek answers.
But there are none.
Sitting in the dark amongst all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I seek Hope.
But it’s not there.
Sitting in the dark amongst all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I seek the face of God.
Where are you?
Then I realize the face of God is everywhere as I see the faces of mothers worried about their sons; as I see the faces of the victims and those who fired the guns; as I see the faces of those who are called to protect; as I see the faces of those who do not know what to do and as I see the faces of our sisters, brothers, and neighbors.
I light one candle and as the flame reaches into the dark of all the tragedies that permeate our current life, I sense a gathering of hope.
Just a small spark until all the faces of God come together to reach out to the Holy.
Just a small spark until all the faces of God come together to say “No More”.
Just a small spark until all the faces of God come together to BE Love, Grace and Hope.
Let it begin with me.
Thank you for your participation in your congregation as well as your generous contributions to the Annual Fund of the Christian Church in Oklahoma. Your gifts help the Regional Church as it seeks to support and encourage your pastor(s) and connect congregations in mission and ministry.
The Regional Church is asking you to contribute toward the 2016 Annual Fund goal of $130,000. All gifts are welcome, and we believe are blessed and multiplied by God.
We had a very exciting Regional Assembly in April at First Christian Church Tulsa with over 300 adults and youth in attendance. The theme was Festival of Missions, where several inspiring and exciting things happened. Here’s just a few but you can read the whole story here.
In the area of Youth, the International Affairs Seminar was exceptional with young people and adult sponsors; summer camps have begun and are full to capacity with young people and counselors.
A Regional mission trip to Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, to work with our ministry partner Caminante is scheduled for the end of July. Learn more>>
Reconciliation monies are being disbursed.
A new Regional Board was installed at Regional Assembly, and they will begin their work to vision and plan the future on August 20th at a Regional Board Orientation.
The Region continues to support and care for seminary students and students in the Commissioned Ministry Training Program, and your Regional pastors continue to be present to pastors and congregational life around the region, including providing aid and disaster relief.
We cannot do any of this without your financial help. Please consider a generous gift to the Regional Church as we continue to be God’s hands and heart in Oklahoma. You may donate securely online here, or send your gift to our office: Christian Church in Oklahoma, 301 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73118.
Peace & God’s grace,
Pamela G. Holt
Regional Minister
Rev. Juan Rodriguez, regional minister from the Christian Church in Florida keynoted our Festival of Mission. He reminded us that we are a “barrier breaking, bridge building” denomination.
Rev. Micah James encouraged us to remember “why” we do mission. We need to find where our joys, needs, and skills intersect.
In closing worship we heard from nine different congregations who each shared their mission and ministry beyond their doors.
We literally moved out in mission on Saturday morning and supported nine different organizations.
Credentialed laity voters and clergy approved the slate of nominees during the business meeting. We appreciate the outgoing board’s hard work and many hours of service.
During an upcoming orientation, incoming board members will learn ways to share their gifts and talents. We are excited and look forward to their leadership!
Click here to see the full list of the 2016-2018 Regional Board members who begin their service on July 1st.
Thank you to the many folks who responded to the survey about Regional Assembly. We learn from you which elements are meaningful and what we need to improve. Here’s what you shared.
The Regional Office will be closed July 4th to celebrate Independence Day. Normal office hours will resume Tuesday July 5th. If you need emergency assistance please contact Assoc. Regional Minister Michael Davison (918) 899-8940. We wish you a safe and relaxing holiday!
Associate Regional Minister Leslie Dotson will be on sabbatical this summer from June 1st through August 31st. She will return to her regular schedule of tending to the Northeast and Southeast areas on September 1st. Leslie will be attending to rest, reflection, and renewal during these three months, some in New Mexico and some in her new home. Please pray for her to experience the Holy in this ordinary time.
In her sabbatical time, both Assoc. Regional Minister Michael Davison and Regional Minister Pam Holt will be serving clergy and congregations in the northeast and southeast areas of our state. They may be reached by cell phones or by e-mail. Lori Heldmann Richcreek will also be available for administrative support to the Northeast Area and can be reached at 918-872-7807.
Erin Hopkins is working as a summer intern for the Regional office and also with the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation. Erin is a senior mass communications major at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva,Oklahoma. She enjoys creating and listening to music, reading and trying new activities or cuisine.
Erin traveled during high school on the International Affairs Seminar trip to Washington, D.C. and New York. Erin and her family have been involved with church camp in Guthrie for many years, and the church camp in Anadarko for a couple as well. She resides in Fairview, OK where her father, Ronnie Hopkins, holds the pastoral position at Central Christian Church. Erin is excited to learn and grow under the leadership and guidance of these administrative offices serving Oklahoma Disciples.
Per the bylaws of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma, the nominations for the 2016-18 Regional Board were voted on and approved at the 2016 Regional Assembly, held April 30, 2016. These positions have two (2) year terms. We encourage you to get acquainted with these individuals who volunteer their time and talents to support your Regional ministries.
| Board Position | Name | Congregation/Ministry Site |
|---|---|---|
| Moderator | Rev. Donna Gilchrist | Northwest CC, OKC |
| Moderator-elect | Pastor Tom Stanley | FCC Cherokee |
| First Vice Moderator | Cynthia Cope | New Covenant CC, OKC |
| Second Vice Moderator | Rev. Shannon Speidel | Central Christian, Enid |
| Secretary – Treasurer | C.D. Payne | FCC Moore |
| Parliamentarian | Elaine Schuster | Crown Heights CC, OKC |
| Commission on Clergy | Cheryl Aspy | Southern Hills CC, Edmond |
| Commission on Children,Youth & Young Adults | Rev. Daniel U’Ren | Western Oaks CC, OKC |
| Commission on Evangelism | Rev. Andy Campbell | Yale Ave. CC, Tulsa |
| Commission on Faith in Action | Marilynn Knott | Crown Heights CC, OKC |
| Commission on Laity | Rev. Aaron Krueger | Crown Heights CC, OKC |
| Commission on Worship & Spiritual Growth | Rev. Jenny Wynn | Southern Hills CC, Edmond |
| Personnel Committee | Rev. Don Heath | Trinity CC, Edmond |
| NW Area Moderator | Rev. Ronnie Hopkins | Fairview CC |
| SW Area Moderator | Rev. Chuck Pettigrew | Liberty Heights CC, Lawton |
| SE Area Moderator | Pastor Tim Kowalski | FCC Sulphur |
| NE Area Moderator | Rev. Kelli Driscoll | Bethany CC, Tulsa |
| Central Area Moderator | Rev. John Malget | FCC OKC/Restoration Church |
| Member-at-Large | Sandy Malget | FCC Cherokee |
| Member-at-Large | Rev. AnDrea Walker-Skye | Cushing Valley Hope, Cushing |
| Member-at-Large | Rev. Noel Gray | Refuge Fellowship Church, OKC |
| Member-at-Large | Rev. Christy Moore | Stone Soup Community, Tulsa |
| Disciples Men President | T.J. McCrite | FCC Ardmore |
| Disciples Women President | Rev. Loma Sullivan | Woodlands CC, Ponca City |
Women 16
Men 14
NW 4
NE 4
SW 1
SE 3
C 18
White 26
African American 3
American Indian 1
Hispanic 0
Asian 0