Regional News Archives - Page 8 of 22 - Christian Church in Oklahoma

Walking Together While We Are Apart

We have several updates to share with you as we continue to walk together while we apart.

Disciples Mission Fund Continues to Empower the Church

In this Easter season, even as we continue to walk through the wilderness of the COVID-19 pandemic, Disciples Mission Fund continues to empower the church. Because of DMF, in the past few weeks, we have been able to:
* Equip our churches with resources for online worship
* Offer grants to congregations and pastors in crisis
* Share the work of our financial ministries in helping congregations access aid
* Help congregations transition to electronic giving
* Provide weekly prayer opportunities with our General Minister and President
* Support our global mission co-workers as they serve around the world

This will likely be a challenging year for DMF, and yet, we all know that the work of the church is needed now more than ever.

You can help. Please encourage your congregation to continue its support of DMF. Consider making a gift yourself.

As we begin to imagine a new world on the other side of this crisis, there is no doubt that the church will stand strong as a witness to God’s presence and unending love. Thank you for being part of this work.

Prayers with the General Minister and President

Rev. Terri Hord Owens will continue to gather with Disciples in prayer on her Facebook page on Wednesdays at noon EDT throughout May as we move through this trying time. She will also continue to meet with pastors and chaplains for prayer via Zoom on Fridays at 1 pm EDT. Links are available in the Disciples Together e-letter for pastors. (Past issues are available in the Disciples News Service archive.)

Global Ministries reports on partners
In addition to the Facebook events with area executives, Global Ministries is collecting stories from mission co-workers and partners about how they are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. You can follow along and include these folks on the front lines in your prayers. The area executives have also issued a document combining their perspectives on how COVID-19 is affecting their areas.

Stuck at home and wondering what is going on across the church?
The stay-at-home orders have many of us paying more attention to the news. You can stay connected with the church beyond your congregation by subscribing to the Disciples News Service, a weekly e-letter. The general interest publication brings news and information from across the U.S. and Canada ranging from great work congregations are doing to messages from general ministries and more. Subscribe today! You can find past issues posted on the Disciples News Service archive. You can also keep up via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! General Facebook | Disciples Exchange for program ideas | Disciples Local Impact for ministries and their local programs | Twitter | Instagram

Your Census Form Counts

General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens encourages you to fill out your census form now. Census numbers have an impact on your community for 10 years. Funding allocations, road improvements, representation in legislatures, school planning and more depend on these numbers. Make sure you are counted and fill out your form.

CCOK3012020-04-30T12:15:12-05:00Apr 30, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

4.19.20 Moving to Easter with Passion and Compassion by Regional Minister, Pamela Holt

Compassion asks us
to go where it hurts,
to enter places of pain,
to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish.
Compassion challenges us
to cry out with those in misery,
to mourn with those who are lonely,
to weep with those in tears.
Compassion requires us
to be weak with the weak,
vulnerable with the vulnerable,
and powerless with the powerless.
Compassion means
full immersion in the condition of being human.

~ Donald McNeill, Douglas Morrison, and Henri Nouwen, Compassion

Rarely do I weep in worship. On Palm Sunday, as we watched several worship services from our living room, I was so moved, I wept. Our clergy spoke words that were filled with compassion and passion about Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, the crowd gathered, and their cry, Hosanna, which means “save us.” Jesus, save us. Yes, Jesus, save us all!

As we continue walking with Jesus this holy week, may we find strength in the one who leads us, and who stays focused on the journey, and who continues to gather disciples around the table, and who suffers and dies for us. On this journey with Jesus, may we continue to stay connected to each other and with the biblical stories that each day of this Holy Week brings, and may we keep our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus. This week has traditionally been one of the most difficult weeks in the Christian story with the death of Jesus. And it is especially challenging when news feeds tell us that this week could be one of the most difficult weeks to endure in reference to the consequences of COVID-19. Here’s what we know, though. Jesus does suffer and die. But on Sunday, from the story in the Gospel According to John, Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb to discover it is empty. Weeping and confused, a man in the tomb interrupted her grieving and inquired, “Why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” There is uncontainable joy when Mary Magdalene realizes this man is Jesus, and she exclaims, “I have seen the Lord!” This is the Lord who comes to be fully immersed with us in our humanness. He comes with deep and abiding compassion to share in our brokenness, fear, confusion, and anxiety. He comes to sit with us in our sickness, to mourn with us in our loneliness, and to weep with us in our deep sadness. He comes to bring us joy and new life!

While our sanctuaries may be empty this Easter Sunday, our clergy will speak once again words of compassion and passion. In our hearing and participating via live stream, may our hearts be full knowing that Jesus, in all his compassion, will speak to each of us with an abundance of love, grace, mercy, and hope. May it be so!

Rev. Pam Holt, Regional Minister

CCOK3012020-04-07T11:43:09-05:00Apr 7, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

Interfaith Prayer on March 30, 2020

In response to COVID-19, the Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma called for a time of prayer for Oklahoma faith communities on March 30, 2020. The following faith leaders joined together in prayer:

Rabbi Abby Jacobs, Interfaith Alliance & Emanuel Synagogue

Rabbi Vered Harris, Temple B’nai Israel

Rev. Kayla Bonewell, Church of the Open Arms, and Cathedral of Hope

Deacon Bill Gordon St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

Chris Peters, Dharma Teacher, the Dharma Center

Rev. Shannon Fleck, OCC

Father Joseph Alsay, St. Augustine of Canterbury

Scott Harvey, First Unitarian Church of OKC

Terri Angler, Baha’i Faith of Edmond

Rev. Daniel U’Ren, Western Oaks Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Imam Imad Enchassi, ISGOC

Saurabh Singh, Sikh Gurdwara of Oklahoma

Rev. Aaron Bolerjack, First Church of the Nazarene OKC

You can watch the video in its entirety here https://www.facebook.com/rev.daniel.uren/videos/10222032543391277/

CCOK3012020-04-07T09:29:32-05:00Apr 6, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

Hold on Tight! Executive Director of Week of Compassion’s Personal Story

Sometimes people need a little help. Week of Compassion is here to help in many ways during times of crisis. Watch Executive Director of Week of Compassion, Rev. Vy T. Nguyen’s personal story.

Hold on tight! We will all get through this season together one day at a time.

Click HERE to watch.

Click HERE to read more about Week of Compassion

CCOK3012020-04-06T14:47:01-05:00Apr 2, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

Cancellation of 2020 Regional Assembly

3-19-20

The Regional Executive Committee had a called meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 to assess the health crisis and how it will affect the 2020 Regional Assembly & Leadership Training School in Enid in April. The Executive Committee felt strongly that we should be following the CDC guidelines of no more than 10 people gathering and cancelled the Regional Assembly/LTS event.

Due to the extraordinary circumstances presented to the church by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Committee of the Regional Church has cancelled the Regional Assembly scheduled for April 24-25, 2020.

As prescribed by the Bylaws, the current Moderator will call a special Regional Board meeting to meet by Zoom (date yet to be determined). With a 2/3 vote, the Regional Board will call a special Regional Assembly as soon as it is safe for the Regional Church to gather with at least 30 days notice to congregations and clergy.

Our current board will continue until the called Regional Assembly has met and voted on the new slate of board members.

Tom Stanley, Regional Moderator
Pam Holt, Regional Minister

CCOK3012020-03-19T14:13:26-05:00Mar 19, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

Event Cancellations as of 3/19/20

Updated on 3/19/2020

The Regional Office announced the following event cancellations on 3/16/20. If you have questions please contact the Regional Office. Thank you.

International Affairs Seminar

Associate Regional Minister Rev. Michael Davison

The physical health and well-being of our youth, their families, and congregations is as important to the Region as their spirituality and walk with Jesus. Tuesday, I learned information that indicated if one of our IAS participants would have presented with symptoms consistent with Covid-19, chances are health officials would have quarantined our entire group. Also on Tuesday, the United Nations canceled our March 20, tour and has closed to the public until April 1. The odds that other prearranged activities in DC and New York would be canceled were growing. Our siblings in faith at Park Avenue Christian Church in Manhattan have decided to close the church to the public and not hold worship for the next couple of weeks, as the Governor of NY has asked places of worship to suspend holding services. The Regional Ministers for New York and Washington DC indicate people are living normally amidst growing anxiety of the unknown of the disease.

So, Pam, Tom (Regional Moderator), and I discussed the best information we had from several sources and determined that, however unlikely that an IAS participant would become infected, the possibility existed. This would be a burden on the participants, their families, and their congregations. We also didn’t want to bring back a pathogen that might harm a vulnerable member of a congregation. So, we made the decision to cancel the trip late Tuesday afternoon. All participants and their families were informed Tuesday night. We wanted to pass on this information to our siblings in faith.

Our prayers:
– for participants living with some disappointment;
– for those physically and emotionally affected by Covid-19;
– for employees, businesses, doctors, nurses, and leaders that are currently making the best choices they can based on what we know and don’t know about Covid-19.
– for residents of Nashville continuing to clean up and begin the restoration of lives and property after the tornado.

O God who hears, for these and many more we offer our prayers. Amen

March 17: John Dear to Speak at Edmond Trinity Christian Church

The event on March 17 at Edmond Trinity Christian Church has been cancelled.

March 18: PRAR Training

Marilyn Knott and Delois Guess have decided to cancel the March 18 PRAR Training.

March 23: Retired Ministers Gathering

In the best interest of our retired clergy, Bill Shields has made the decision to cancel the Retired Ministers Gathering on March 23 at Southern Hills Christian Church, Edmond. Information will be mailed about about future events.

March 25-26: Disaster Emotional & Spiritual Care Academy

Rev. Mary Gaudreau Hughes has cancelled the March 25-26 Academy. Click here for details on an online option.

March 28: Oklahoma Disciples Women Spring Meeting

Marilyn Bohlender, President, Delois Guess, along with the Oklahoma Disciples Women have made the decision to cancel their upcoming Spring Meeting on March 28, 2020. A new date will be announced in the future.

April 2: Central Area Disciples Men Meeting

The Central Area Disciples Men have made the decision to cancel the Central Area Disciples Men Meeting. A date will be announced in the future.

April 3 – 4: Oklahoma Disciples Men April Retreat

Inman Jones, President, has made the decision to postpone the April 3-4 Retreat until next fall. They do so to protect the health of their fellowship. A date will be announced in the future.

April 24 – 25: Regional Assembly & Leadership Training School

The Executive Committee of the Regional Board will meet on 3/17/2020 to make a decision on whether to postpone the 2020 Regional Assembly & Leadership Training School due to the continuing concerns about the Corona Virus (Covid-19). Please watch the Region’s email newsletter, website and FaceBook page for updates.

April 25: OK-CADP 2020 Annual Awards Dinner & Meeting Postponed

The 2020 OK-CADP Annual Awards Dinner and Meeting has been postponed until fall. If you have purchased tickets you have the option of a refund, or saving your seat for fall.

CCOK3012020-03-19T09:31:57-05:00Mar 19, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

A Message from Rev. Terri Hords Owens

Please watch a message from General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens as she provides faithful guidance and resources concerning COVID-19.

CCOK3012020-04-01T16:14:21-05:00Mar 16, 2020|COVID-19 Resources, Regional News|Comments Off

Oklahoma Disciples Foundation Provided 26,800 Individuals With Food With 2019 Grant Funds

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36, NIV)

This Wednesday the Foundation’s Grants Committee meets to decide funding allocations for the 52 grant requests received this year. Volunteer Disciples’ Committee Members have the arduous task of allocating more than $90,000 to requests totaling more than $296,000. Many of the requests were for community feeding programs for children, families and seniors experiencing food insecurity issues.

After reviewing Grant Reports from last year’s Grant Funding, we calculated more than 26,800 individuals from across Oklahoma received meals or food baskets, fresh fruit or healthy snacks through the Foundation’s Grants Program. What a blessing it is to be able to provide funding to the churches feeding the hungry within their communities.

We are grateful to the churches, the donors who have supported the Grants Program and especially to the Grants Committee Members who have graciously given their time and expertise to review applications and recommend funding.

The Foundation holds many worthwhile endowments benefiting the church, the Region and its missions and ministries, including funds for grants. Click this link: “Together We Touch Lives” if you would like to make an honorary or memorial donation to one of these funds.

Blessings,

Eric Gray, CAP®
Executive Director

(article provided by Oklahoma Disciples Foundation)

CCOK3012020-03-09T12:08:24-05:00Mar 9, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

2020 Easter Special Offering

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24 NRSV

Across the United States, Canada, and beyond, Disciples are rejoicing in all that the Lord has made. This Easter, we rejoice together as one Church, as the One Body of Christ. We rejoice in all that we accomplish together, and the work God accomplishes through us.

Let us rejoice that the Easter offering, through Disciples Mission Fund, makes ministry possible. Through the general ministries of our Church, lives are changed and our world is transformed. Will you rejoice with us and give to this special day offering?

This Easter season, let us rejoice in all the ways our wider Church embodies the Spirit of Resurrection, through life-giving ministry.

Easter Special Offering is received in most congregations on April 5 & 12, 2020. You may read more about Easter Special Offering and find additional resources at https://disciplesmissionfund.org/special-offerings/easter/

Please click here to give online.

CCOK3012020-03-03T09:54:51-06:00Mar 2, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off

Regional Assembly/Leadership Training School Registration Opens! CANCELED

This event has been canceled.

_______________________

Registration Now Open!

It’s time to register for Regional Assembly and select your workshops for Leadership Training School. You’ll find details about all the activities including our Friday evening all-assembly dinner, our guest preacher, an excellent offering of workshops for laity and clergy, plus a ton of fun things to do in Enid. It all takes place at Central Christian Church Enid on April 24-25, 2020.

Get connected with Disciples from all across Oklahoma!

Learn More!

CCOK3012020-03-18T13:44:59-05:00Feb 27, 2020|Regional News|Comments Off